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Magzoid Magazine - A Luxury Magazine in the Creative Space | July 2021

The extraordinary cover artwork is a depiction of Hyperrealism by Fabiano Millani, an exceptional painter born in São Paulo, Brazil. This issue contains featured interviews and insights from industry veterans like, H.E. Eng. ALi AlSuwaidi, Rizwan Sajan, ELijah Long. It also comprises of, Inspiring stories from amazing artists like Ben Treat, Sophie Green, Fateme Shahidi, Alexandra Ozerova, Elena Zernova, Ken Kung that empowers the community, Hotel review of Radisson Blu, Dubai Waterfront. Event Showcase: Jewels of Emirates Show. Product Review of Feel Good Tea. Highlights from Expo 2020. Al Quoz Creative Zone. Featured Artworks of kids and professional artists. Art of Calligraphy. Role of Public Art in Society. Art Facts and Art News.

The extraordinary cover artwork is a depiction of Hyperrealism by Fabiano Millani, an exceptional painter born in São Paulo, Brazil. This issue contains featured interviews and insights from industry veterans like, H.E. Eng. ALi AlSuwaidi, Rizwan Sajan, ELijah Long. It also comprises of, Inspiring stories from amazing artists like Ben Treat, Sophie Green, Fateme Shahidi, Alexandra Ozerova, Elena Zernova, Ken Kung that empowers the community, Hotel review of Radisson Blu, Dubai Waterfront. Event Showcase: Jewels of Emirates Show. Product Review of Feel Good Tea. Highlights from Expo 2020. Al Quoz Creative Zone. Featured Artworks of kids and professional artists. Art of Calligraphy. Role of Public Art in Society. Art Facts and Art News.

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JULY <strong>2021</strong><br />

Art NEWS<br />

ART FACTS<br />

crossword<br />

trivia<br />

REAder's review<br />

subscribe now<br />

& much more<br />

Price: AED 90 / USD 25<br />

Hyperrealism<br />

PAINTING BY Fabiano Millani<br />

H.E. ENG. ALI<br />

ALSUWAIDI<br />

DIRECTOR GENERAL OF<br />

AJMAN FREE ZONE<br />

RIZWAN SAJAN<br />

CHAIRMAN,DANUBE GROUP<br />

ELIJAH LONG<br />

PRODUCER, WRITER & ACTOR


At Ajman Free Zone we believe <strong>in</strong> convert<strong>in</strong>g every<br />

situation <strong>in</strong>to an opportunity and offer <strong>the</strong>se opportunities<br />

to our bus<strong>in</strong>ess partners to help <strong>the</strong>m flourish.<br />

The 3 pillars of AFZ are <strong>in</strong>dustry, <strong>in</strong>frastructure and<br />

regulation. We take constant efforts to understand <strong>the</strong><br />

problems faced by our partners and take immediate<br />

actions <strong>the</strong>reby creat<strong>in</strong>g a collaborative ecosystem <strong>in</strong> AFZ<br />

where bus<strong>in</strong>esses help each o<strong>the</strong>r grow. Whenever <strong>the</strong>y<br />

need help, our doors are always open.<br />

H.E. Eng. Ali AlSuwaidi<br />

Director General of Ajman Free Zone<br />

2 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 3


Price: AED 90 / USD 25<br />

Price: AED 90 / USD 25<br />

JULY <strong>2021</strong><br />

Art NEWS<br />

ART FACTS<br />

crossword<br />

trivia<br />

REAder's review<br />

subscribe now<br />

& much more<br />

Hyperrealism<br />

PAINTING BY Fabiano Millani<br />

H.E. ENG. ALI<br />

ALSUWAIDI<br />

DIRECTOR GENERAL OF<br />

AJMAN FREE ZONE<br />

RIZWAN SAJAN<br />

CHAIRMAN,DANUBE GROUP<br />

ELIJAH LONG<br />

PRODUCER, WRITER & ACTOR<br />

JULY <strong>2021</strong> JUNE <strong>2021</strong> MAY <strong>2021</strong><br />

APRIL <strong>2021</strong><br />

MARCH <strong>2021</strong><br />

WWW.MAGZOID.COM<br />

FEBRUARY <strong>2021</strong><br />

Connect<strong>in</strong>g M<strong>in</strong>ds,<br />

Creat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Future<br />

ART DUBAI<br />

DIFC ART NIGHT<br />

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL<br />

HORSE FAIR<br />

WORLD ART DUBAI<br />

$62 MILLION<br />

is what <strong>the</strong> World's<br />

Largest Canvas Pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g<br />

by Sacha Jafri got sold for<br />

INSPIRE AND<br />

EMPOWER<br />

Tessa Nicole<br />

Lesya Guseva<br />

Murat Yildirim<br />

Lucy Wu<br />

Raj Shahani<br />

Sebastian Merk<br />

Vera Jochum<br />

ART NEWS<br />

14-year-old Dubai Boy<br />

appreciated by Indian PM<br />

Mr. Narendra Modi<br />

Even after 18,000 years,<br />

Ancient Shell Horn Can<br />

Still Play a Tune<br />

UAE<br />

TOUR<br />

THE ONE AND ONLY<br />

WORLD TOUR<br />

BICYCLE RACE IN THE<br />

MIDDLE EAST<br />

21-27 FEB <strong>2021</strong><br />

ART FACTS<br />

CROSSWORD<br />

ART DUBAI<br />

WORLD ART DUBAI<br />

and much more...<br />

EMIRATE’S<br />

CIVILISATIONAL<br />

HERITAGE<br />

Iconic photo of His Late<br />

Grandfa<strong>the</strong>r Sheikh Rashid<br />

Recreated by Sheikh Hamdan<br />

PAINTING<br />

MUSEUM<br />

Pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g Museum Opens<br />

its Doors to Visitors With<br />

More Than 3,000 Works<br />

INTERVIEW<br />

KEN KUNG<br />

Hongkong<br />

Price: AED 90 / USD 25<br />

ARTIST STORIES<br />

ART FACTS<br />

CROSSWORD<br />

FEATURED ARTWORKS<br />

FEATURED ARTIST<br />

TRIVIA<br />

and much more...<br />

Chaos is a bl<strong>in</strong>k of an eye<br />

NASSIM<br />

Price: AED 90 / USD 25<br />

SACHA JAFRI<br />

HIGHLIGHTS<br />

ART EXHIBITION<br />

FEATURED ARTWORKS<br />

and much more...<br />

UAE’S MARS<br />

MISSION<br />

UAE's Mission to Mars<br />

(HOPE) will enter <strong>in</strong>to orbit on<br />

9th Feb, 2020<br />

Cover Picture Courtesy<br />

Carla Grace Orig<strong>in</strong>al Pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g<br />

© Carla Grace Art<br />

APRIL <strong>2021</strong><br />

MAR <strong>2021</strong><br />

FEB <strong>2021</strong> JAN <strong>2021</strong><br />

subscribe@magzoid.com<br />

www.magzoid.com<br />

magzoid.global<br />

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WELCOME<br />

NOTE<br />

ART THAT MATTERS<br />

“Don’t th<strong>in</strong>k about mak<strong>in</strong>g art, just get it done. Let everyone<br />

else decide if it’s good or bad, whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y love it or hate it.<br />

While <strong>the</strong>y are decid<strong>in</strong>g, make even more art.”– Andy Warhol.<br />

Advertisers advertised <strong>in</strong> this guide are <strong>in</strong>cluded on a sponsored basis. Details are correct at <strong>the</strong> time of go<strong>in</strong>g to press, but offers and prices may change.<br />

Contact:<br />

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Please recycle <strong>the</strong> magaz<strong>in</strong>e once you've f<strong>in</strong>ished read<strong>in</strong>g it<br />

International Art Exhibition<br />

Art is everywhere, <strong>in</strong>fluenc<strong>in</strong>g us daily whe<strong>the</strong>r or not we realize<br />

it. The art that we are encircled by, whe<strong>the</strong>r a pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g, music,<br />

or perhaps a video can have an oversized impact on our mood<br />

and emotions. Every k<strong>in</strong>d of art will have a control on us,<br />

mak<strong>in</strong>g us feel happier, calmer, and sometimes <strong>in</strong>spire us to do someth<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Everywhere we go, art surrounds us; sculptures <strong>in</strong> public places, posters<br />

on walls offer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation, music play<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> radio. Without realiz<strong>in</strong>g<br />

it we tend to discover that we are immersed at <strong>in</strong>tervals <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> ability of art<br />

most of <strong>the</strong> times!<br />

We are excited to br<strong>in</strong>g this edition of <strong>the</strong> magaz<strong>in</strong>e to you. We have artist<br />

stories from all across <strong>the</strong> globe along with a solo exhibition by Ken Kung<br />

<strong>in</strong> this edition. There is ‘Leadership Talks’ featur<strong>in</strong>g H.E. Eng. Ali Abdulla<br />

B<strong>in</strong> Towaih Al Suwaidi, Director General of Ajman Free Zone and 'Art of<br />

Bus<strong>in</strong>ess' featur<strong>in</strong>g Mr. Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube<br />

Group along with an exclusive <strong>in</strong>terview with Elijah Long, a producer, writer<br />

and actor. There is a showcase of photographs taken by our readers <strong>in</strong><br />

addition to art news, art facts, crossword, competitions, trivia and games for<br />

our readers to engage <strong>the</strong>mselves and w<strong>in</strong> amaz<strong>in</strong>g gifts.<br />

We look forward to our readers jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g us <strong>in</strong> our passion for art. Let art<br />

feed your soul and br<strong>in</strong>g joy to your world! Eid Mubarak to you and your<br />

loved ones!<br />

INSIDE THE MAGAZINE...<br />

mergeteam<br />

BOOSTING TEAM PRODUCTIVITY<br />

Artworks from Around <strong>the</strong> World<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 7<br />

Simple yet powerful employee productivity boost<strong>in</strong>g and work<br />

track<strong>in</strong>g with screenshots, timesheets, bill<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>-depth reports,


JULY <strong>2021</strong><br />

WWW.MAGZOID.COM<br />

ROLE OF PUBLIC ART<br />

34 IN SOCIETY<br />

INSPIRE & EMPOWER<br />

featured artist Andrea Ehret, Jason Anderson,<br />

Jenny Nguyen, Juca Máximo, McKenna Ely<br />

10<br />

24<br />

40<br />

72<br />

78<br />

18<br />

Arabic<br />

Calligraphy<br />

RADISSON BLU<br />

EXPERIENCE<br />

46<br />

From <strong>the</strong>,<br />

Script<br />

to <strong>the</strong><br />

BIG<br />

SCREEN<br />

Elijah Long<br />

Jewel<br />

of Emirates<br />

22<br />

8 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


JULY <strong>2021</strong><br />

WWW.MAGZOID.COM<br />

CONTENTS<br />

43<br />

28<br />

COVER STORY<br />

Fabiano Milani<br />

Hyperrealism<br />

World<br />

Population<br />

Day<br />

50<br />

64<br />

ART OF BUSINESS<br />

14 Mr. Rizwan Sajan<br />

H.E. Eng. Ali AlSuwaidi<br />

Founder and Chairman<br />

of Danube Group<br />

Director General of Ajman Free Zone<br />

LEADERSHIP TALKS<br />

27<br />

WORLD EMOJI<br />

DAY <strong>2021</strong><br />

GONE WITH<br />

THE WIND<br />

KEN KUNG SOLO<br />

EXHIBITION<br />

62<br />

SUBSCRIBE NOW 06<br />

ART NEWS 32|33|38|39|44|<br />

ART NEWS 45|54|55|56|58|59<br />

ART FACTS 60|61|70<br />

TRIVIA 69<br />

LETTERS FROM OUR READERS 70<br />

READER'S PHOTOGRAPHS 76<br />

FEEL GOOD TEA - REVIEW 81<br />

FEATURED ARTWORKS 82|84<br />

GAMES 83<br />

CROSSWORD 85<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 9


INSPIRE & EMPOWER<br />

featured artist<br />

Ben Treat<br />

“O<strong>the</strong>r artist’s works are <strong>the</strong> door to your<br />

<strong>in</strong>spiration, for mak<strong>in</strong>g your own!”, says Ben Treat<br />

- Exclusive to <strong>Magzoid</strong><br />

10 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


Ben Treat is an American<br />

stop motion animator<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> trends of 3D<br />

digital art, Anime style<br />

animation, NFT market,<br />

and Indie Animation techniques. Stop<br />

motion animation is an animation<br />

that captures one frame at a time,<br />

with physical objects that are affected<br />

between frames. It is a technique<br />

utilized <strong>in</strong> animation to br<strong>in</strong>g static<br />

objects to life on screen. After you<br />

play back <strong>the</strong> sequence of pictures<br />

rapidly, it creates <strong>the</strong> illusion of<br />

movement. Clay figures, puppets,<br />

and m<strong>in</strong>i-figures are typically utilized<br />

<strong>in</strong> stop motion animation as <strong>the</strong>y can<br />

be handled and repositioned easily.<br />

In today’s times, to receive<br />

recognition, <strong>the</strong> best way to<br />

showcase one’s talents is through<br />

social media as it helps <strong>the</strong> creators<br />

be <strong>the</strong>ir own boss and create without<br />

<strong>in</strong>hibitions. Ben worked with plenty<br />

of content creators and followed <strong>the</strong><br />

social media trends to ga<strong>in</strong> a huge<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g on his Instagram page<br />

@franticframes which helped him<br />

develop a career as an animator. He<br />

takes pride <strong>in</strong> be<strong>in</strong>g a self-taught artist<br />

and see<strong>in</strong>g his work evolve with time<br />

and <strong>the</strong> appreciation he receives has<br />

given him <strong>the</strong> confidence to do more.<br />

Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> pandemic, he became<br />

more focused on his artistries and<br />

<strong>in</strong>itiated more ambitious projects and<br />

worked on his skills with frame by<br />

frame animation.<br />

When asked what his artworks<br />

aim to say he says that everybody<br />

has <strong>the</strong>ir perception and <strong>the</strong>refore<br />

everybody perceives different pieces<br />

of art <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir own way. An admirer of<br />

art tries to f<strong>in</strong>d a piece of <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />

when <strong>the</strong>y see a particular artistry.<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 11


Whatever we do stays<br />

excit<strong>in</strong>g only if we take<br />

a break and get back<br />

stronger. To improve<br />

and be <strong>the</strong> best at what<br />

we do, we need to take<br />

some time off work and<br />

get back with better<br />

and amaz<strong>in</strong>g ideas.<br />

They have <strong>the</strong>ir own message; be it<br />

pa<strong>in</strong> or happ<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />

The message he wants to convey<br />

to his fellow artisans is, “Do what you<br />

love but make sure to take <strong>the</strong> time<br />

you need to step back”. He conveys<br />

such a powerful message <strong>in</strong> such<br />

short words. Whatever we do stays<br />

excit<strong>in</strong>g only if we take a break and<br />

get back stronger. To improve and be<br />

<strong>the</strong> best at what we do, we need to<br />

take some time off work and get back<br />

with better and amaz<strong>in</strong>g ideas.<br />

His greatest <strong>in</strong>spiration is <strong>the</strong><br />

works of Andaman Animations and<br />

many talented <strong>in</strong>dependent artists.<br />

His favorite artists are Lord Victor<br />

Hagel<strong>in</strong> and Alexander Unger, both<br />

stop motion animation creators. Ben<br />

believes that o<strong>the</strong>r artist’s works<br />

are <strong>the</strong> door to your <strong>in</strong>spiration, for<br />

mak<strong>in</strong>g your own. Gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>spired by<br />

someone else’s works only helps <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> improvement and keeps one’s art<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

- feature@magzoid.com<br />

12 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


YOUR<br />

BUSINESS<br />

DESERVES TO<br />

BE KNOWN<br />

One Stop<br />

Market<strong>in</strong>g & PR Solution<br />

<strong>in</strong>fo@qfastmarket<strong>in</strong>g.com<br />

www.qfastmarket<strong>in</strong>g.com


LEADERSHIP TALKS<br />

14 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


LEADERSHIP TALKS<br />

H. E. Eng. Ali AlSuwaidi<br />

Director General of Ajman Free Zone<br />

holds a Bachelor of Science degree <strong>in</strong> Electrical and Electronics Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g from<br />

<strong>the</strong> Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT) <strong>in</strong> Boston. Throughout his career<br />

that spans more than 25 years, he has worked with government departments,<br />

economic authorities, and local and <strong>in</strong>ternational entities, and has held leadership<br />

positions across various vital sectors. Hav<strong>in</strong>g effectively contributed to <strong>the</strong> overall<br />

performance and improvement of work environments with<strong>in</strong> various entities and<br />

organizations, here is what he has to say about his work so far and <strong>the</strong> upcom<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong>itiatives by <strong>the</strong> Ajman Free Zone (AFZ).<br />

- Exclusive to <strong>Magzoid</strong><br />

You have prom<strong>in</strong>ently<br />

established yourself as<br />

a successful executive.<br />

We would like to know<br />

about your very first<br />

step <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> corporate world.<br />

I can say that it’s someth<strong>in</strong>g that runs<br />

with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> family. When you have been<br />

raised and taught to value and make<br />

a difference <strong>in</strong> life and <strong>the</strong> country, it<br />

automatically gets <strong>in</strong>gra<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> you.<br />

See<strong>in</strong>g how hard our leaders have<br />

been work<strong>in</strong>g for our country has also<br />

<strong>in</strong>spired me to make a difference. If<br />

you have <strong>the</strong> passion and drive to do<br />

or achieve someth<strong>in</strong>g, that is all that is<br />

required to lead you to success.<br />

Would you like to talk a bit about<br />

your educational background<br />

and how does that <strong>in</strong>fluence your<br />

growth and actions now?<br />

My education has helped me for<br />

sure. Study<strong>in</strong>g abroad has given me<br />

broader perspectives on how life is<br />

and allowed me to experience <strong>the</strong><br />

different cultures around <strong>the</strong> world.<br />

Work<strong>in</strong>g with multicultural people <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> same company gives you more<br />

exposure, makes you open-m<strong>in</strong>ded<br />

and changes <strong>the</strong> way you act and<br />

behave. That belief has helped me.<br />

My fa<strong>the</strong>r has taught me that all<br />

you need is to rely on yourself. He<br />

always said to me, “Wherever you<br />

work, always leave your footpr<strong>in</strong>t!”<br />

So, it has always stuck with me that<br />

whenever I do someth<strong>in</strong>g, I’ll make<br />

it noticeable, I’ll make it perfect; and<br />

that’s exactly what I advise my team.<br />

People refra<strong>in</strong> from tak<strong>in</strong>g risks,<br />

but that is someth<strong>in</strong>g that def<strong>in</strong>es<br />

me. I’m always open to challenges<br />

and ready to convert <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong>to<br />

opportunities.<br />

What k<strong>in</strong>d of companies do you<br />

plan of host<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> AFZ and how do<br />

you feel that be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> AFZ would be<br />

a great choice for <strong>the</strong>m?<br />

I’ve worked <strong>in</strong> Dubai and Abu Dhabi<br />

but I must say, Ajman is a place with a<br />

very good bus<strong>in</strong>ess environment with<br />

its own unique propositions. As I try<br />

to add value, we have come up with<br />

different strategies for every sector<br />

and type of company available here.<br />

The new strategies are focused on<br />

how to enhance our roles and be a<br />

true bus<strong>in</strong>ess partner. This is why I<br />

don’t call <strong>the</strong> people I work with as<br />

clients; I call <strong>the</strong>m bus<strong>in</strong>ess partners.<br />

Their bus<strong>in</strong>ess is our bus<strong>in</strong>ess. Our<br />

salespeople are solution providers.<br />

They see how we can help solve<br />

problems regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> budget of our<br />

partners. This is a true partnership!<br />

Through understand<strong>in</strong>g each o<strong>the</strong>r,<br />

we work toge<strong>the</strong>r and grow and<br />

develop <strong>the</strong> clusters. The clusters<br />

comprise three pillars: <strong>in</strong>dustry,<br />

<strong>in</strong>frastructure and regulation.<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 15


LEADERSHIP TALKS<br />

The competition is grow<strong>in</strong>g, but<br />

<strong>the</strong>re are opportunities all around<br />

us. We are always try<strong>in</strong>g to help and<br />

support each <strong>in</strong>dustry. Whenever<br />

we have an opportunity, we always<br />

share it with <strong>the</strong> people and whenever<br />

<strong>the</strong>y need help, our door is always<br />

open. I’m very happy about <strong>the</strong> team<br />

and our development. The more<br />

we encourage <strong>the</strong>m, <strong>the</strong> more <strong>the</strong>y<br />

grow. This is our contribution to <strong>the</strong><br />

economies of Ajman and <strong>the</strong> UAE.<br />

I strongly believe that Ajman is now<br />

grow<strong>in</strong>g, and, while we are fac<strong>in</strong>g<br />

expansion challenges, we will strive<br />

to come up with <strong>the</strong> best solutions.<br />

AFZ has seen amaz<strong>in</strong>g growth <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> number of new companies,<br />

which is a great th<strong>in</strong>g to exemplify<br />

that UAE is back. But we would like<br />

to know about <strong>the</strong> lockdown times<br />

at AFZ. What measures did you<br />

take and how did you overcome it?<br />

For me, I would say it was both a<br />

FIRSTLY, WE WANTED<br />

TO INTRODUCE AJMAN<br />

FREE ZONE AND THE<br />

OPPORTUNITIES.<br />

SECONDLY, WE WANTED<br />

TO TAKE ADVICE FROM<br />

THEIR EXPERIENCES<br />

AND WHAT THEY WOULD<br />

LOVE TO SEE FOR AJMAN<br />

FREE ZONE. THERE IS A<br />

DRIVE AND OBJECTIVE<br />

TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE<br />

DEVELOPMENT SO<br />

WE HAVE DEVELOPED<br />

CERTAIN STRATEGIES FOR<br />

THAT AS AN INITIATIVE.<br />

challenge and an opportunity. AFZ<br />

was equipped with <strong>the</strong> technology<br />

to handle <strong>the</strong> situation, but it wasn’t<br />

feasible for all. We tried to see how<br />

we could use <strong>the</strong>se measures for<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>ess cont<strong>in</strong>uity. We had so many<br />

challenges with payment and health<br />

measures. But our leadership <strong>in</strong> Ajman<br />

has cont<strong>in</strong>uously been supportive<br />

of <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess sector. Many onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />

companies have been able to expand<br />

despite try<strong>in</strong>g market conditions.<br />

Across <strong>the</strong> free zone, amid difficult<br />

circumstances, 1,717 new companies<br />

from more than 150 countries had setup<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir operations <strong>in</strong> our community<br />

<strong>in</strong> 2020 – which represented a 23<br />

per cent <strong>in</strong>crease from <strong>the</strong> previous<br />

period. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, 40 new retail<br />

stores opened <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>ese Market<br />

<strong>in</strong> Ajman, register<strong>in</strong>g a four per cent<br />

growth. Out of all <strong>the</strong> companies<br />

across sectors, <strong>the</strong> segment of<br />

education providers, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g,<br />

educational consult<strong>in</strong>g and liberal<br />

professions, was <strong>the</strong> most active<br />

last year with a 26 per cent growth<br />

rate compared to 2019. Investments<br />

and o<strong>the</strong>r activities <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> technology<br />

sector rose 20 per cent.<br />

We also registered an uptick<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> first quarter of <strong>2021</strong>. We<br />

experienced a 33 per cent surge<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> number of newly registered<br />

companies engaged <strong>in</strong> vital sectors<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> first three months of<br />

this year compared to Q1 2020.<br />

The percentage is equivalent to<br />

492 new bus<strong>in</strong>ess organizations.<br />

By sector, education, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />

tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g academies, counsell<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

freelanc<strong>in</strong>g, witnessed a 39 per cent<br />

<strong>in</strong>crease; technology, 23 per cent; and<br />

health, 34 per cent.<br />

However difficult <strong>the</strong> situations<br />

may be, we don’t need to panic; we<br />

need to rema<strong>in</strong> calm and see how we<br />

can contribute to <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess. The<br />

pandemic has fast-tracked technology<br />

development and evolution. We must<br />

tra<strong>in</strong> ourselves to be our best and<br />

make use of <strong>the</strong>se technologies. If we<br />

don’t th<strong>in</strong>k ahead, someone else will.<br />

What are <strong>the</strong> new <strong>in</strong>itiatives and<br />

opportunities com<strong>in</strong>g from AFZ<br />

to boost <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>com<strong>in</strong>g wave of<br />

entrepreneurship?<br />

In every bus<strong>in</strong>ess, we look at its<br />

challenges and see how we can<br />

launch <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>itiative to explore relevant<br />

opportunities. In some of <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>itiatives<br />

that we launched, we’ve noticed <strong>the</strong><br />

local community’s <strong>in</strong>volvement. Firstly,<br />

we wanted to <strong>in</strong>troduce Ajman Free<br />

Zone and its offered opportunities.<br />

Secondly, we wanted to take advice<br />

from <strong>the</strong>ir experiences and what<br />

<strong>the</strong>y would love to see <strong>in</strong> AFZ. There<br />

is a drive and objective towards<br />

susta<strong>in</strong>able development so we have<br />

developed certa<strong>in</strong> strategies related to<br />

that as part of our <strong>in</strong>itiatives. We want<br />

to set <strong>the</strong> trend for people as well as<br />

take available opportunities and br<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong>m here for our partners.<br />

What challenges do you feel is <strong>the</strong><br />

current SME segment fac<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

how is AFZ committed towards<br />

facilitat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m?<br />

At AFZ, 56 per cent of AFZ’s total<br />

purchases dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> first quarter of<br />

this year went to <strong>the</strong> needs of <strong>the</strong> SME<br />

sector (31%) and o<strong>the</strong>r enterprises<br />

licensed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> zone (25%). The figures<br />

<strong>in</strong>dicate our commitment to help <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>ir expansion coupled with our<br />

mission to attract more <strong>in</strong>vestments to<br />

Ajman and advance <strong>the</strong> diversification<br />

of <strong>the</strong> national economy.<br />

Please take note, however, that<br />

we treat all bus<strong>in</strong>esses <strong>in</strong> AFZ as<br />

our partners, and we love to take<br />

active participation <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same. Out<br />

of <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r challenges that we have<br />

come across from different genres of<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>esses, <strong>the</strong> one that we found<br />

16 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


LEADERSHIP TALKS<br />

quite alarm<strong>in</strong>g was <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />

issues fac<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>esses.Hence,<br />

we have collaborated with lead<strong>in</strong>g<br />

banks such as Mashreq and RAK<br />

Banks to provide <strong>the</strong>m with exclusive<br />

and preferential services. We’re<br />

always <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ed towards technology,<br />

and <strong>in</strong>troduc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> best ones to our<br />

partners has been one of our constant<br />

efforts.<br />

AFZ has taken some prompt<br />

measures to move towards<br />

susta<strong>in</strong>able energy sources. Would<br />

you like to share some details and<br />

statistics about <strong>the</strong> same?<br />

When we talk about susta<strong>in</strong>able<br />

energy sources, s<strong>in</strong>ce we are on<br />

<strong>the</strong> consumption side, we have<br />

taken measures to reduce water<br />

consumption us<strong>in</strong>g new technology.<br />

Currently, we are <strong>the</strong> ones <strong>in</strong> control of<br />

how much resources are be<strong>in</strong>g used. It<br />

is also more important to <strong>in</strong>troduce <strong>the</strong><br />

new suppliers to <strong>the</strong> market so that we<br />

can make more susta<strong>in</strong>able policies<br />

and deploy relevant technologies. The<br />

susta<strong>in</strong>able development reports will<br />

be com<strong>in</strong>g soon, <strong>in</strong> which we have<br />

expla<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>itiatives. The major<br />

challenge is committ<strong>in</strong>g even though<br />

we have so many countries <strong>in</strong>terested<br />

<strong>in</strong> this project.<br />

How does AFZ facilitate and plan of<br />

promot<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> creative <strong>in</strong>dustries<br />

of arts, culture, music, film<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r?<br />

Arts and culture are very important<br />

aspects of our lives. I believe that<br />

everyth<strong>in</strong>g we do has an artistic touch<br />

to it. We have been target<strong>in</strong>g certa<strong>in</strong><br />

entrepreneurs who are <strong>in</strong>to arts. I have<br />

visited an artist who makes sculptures<br />

and faces. We attract <strong>the</strong>se people<br />

and cater to <strong>the</strong>ir different needs.<br />

Currently, <strong>the</strong>re are a variety of cultural<br />

art festivals, as such, we’ve <strong>in</strong>troduced<br />

<strong>the</strong>se opportunities to <strong>the</strong> department.<br />

Would you like to comment on <strong>the</strong><br />

technological <strong>in</strong>frastructure and<br />

AFZ’s <strong>in</strong>volvement <strong>in</strong> promot<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong>novation <strong>in</strong> technology?<br />

AFZ has been <strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>g heavily<br />

<strong>in</strong> technology and strongly believed<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> potential of tech and <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>d<br />

of opportunities that it can br<strong>in</strong>g us.<br />

As I mentioned earlier, one of <strong>the</strong><br />

ma<strong>in</strong> pillars of cluster development<br />

is <strong>in</strong>frastructure, and technological<br />

<strong>in</strong>frastructure is extremely important.<br />

We are focus<strong>in</strong>g on technology as<br />

one of our target sectors. Many<br />

services can be developed through<br />

it like how robots are be<strong>in</strong>g used <strong>in</strong><br />

restaurants. Today, that attracts a lot<br />

of attention. At AFZ, we have rolled<br />

out <strong>the</strong> Robotic Process Automation<br />

(RPA) System to automate 44 of our<br />

services and reduce <strong>the</strong> wait<strong>in</strong>g time.<br />

The RPA System is designed to help<br />

attract global <strong>in</strong>vestors to Ajman and<br />

advance <strong>the</strong> emirate’s economic<br />

growth and development.<br />

You need to keep track and closely<br />

monitor <strong>the</strong> improvements that can<br />

be made us<strong>in</strong>g modern technological<br />

tools. These tools can be used as<br />

a platform to efficiently make <strong>the</strong><br />

company grow. Technology makes<br />

th<strong>in</strong>gs more efficient and easier.<br />

Services can even be accessed<br />

through mobile apps. So, this is<br />

someth<strong>in</strong>g we’re <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

plann<strong>in</strong>g to leverage.<br />

A major strength of UAE is its<br />

vivid and diversified form of<br />

partnerships that it holds both<br />

locally and <strong>in</strong>ternationally. Would<br />

you like to comment on a few<br />

of your remarkable bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />

partnerships?<br />

I can’t pick one, I have to praise<br />

<strong>the</strong>m all! The reason be<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong>re<br />

is an objective beh<strong>in</strong>d help<strong>in</strong>g every<br />

one of <strong>the</strong>m. There are two bodies: <strong>the</strong><br />

government and <strong>the</strong> private sector.<br />

TECHNOLOGY IS ONE<br />

OF THE MAIN SECTORS<br />

WE ARE FOCUSING ON.<br />

MANY SERVICES CAN BE<br />

DEVELOPED THROUGH<br />

IT LIKE IN RESTAURANTS<br />

HOW ROBOTS ARE<br />

BEING USED.<br />

Each has its own requirements. This<br />

is where we come <strong>in</strong>. We try to cater<br />

to <strong>the</strong>ir needs and see what can be<br />

done. Our partnerships with <strong>the</strong>m are<br />

very important to us, so we enhance<br />

<strong>the</strong> different aspects of our ties with<br />

<strong>the</strong>m. We know from <strong>the</strong> expected<br />

footfall that it is a huge opportunity<br />

to show our work and achievements<br />

and we need to contribute to what <strong>the</strong><br />

government is do<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Some of our strategic public and<br />

private partners, apart from <strong>the</strong><br />

previously mentioned RAK and<br />

Mashreq Banks, <strong>in</strong>clude Ajman Bank,<br />

Saudi German Hospital, Emirates Post<br />

Group, I-<strong>in</strong>sured company, Abu Dhabi<br />

National Insurance Company, <strong>the</strong><br />

M<strong>in</strong>istry of Economy, <strong>the</strong> Economic<br />

Development Department- Ajman,<br />

Ajman Police, Ajman Chamber, and<br />

Digital Government- Ajman, among<br />

o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />

Do you have any message to our<br />

readers?<br />

My message is that Ajman is a very<br />

good place. The UAE is a very nice<br />

place as well and I th<strong>in</strong>k we need to<br />

contribute to <strong>the</strong> environment. It’s more<br />

than our duty. It’s our responsibility to<br />

this country to feel and live toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />

and figure out how to be supportive of<br />

each o<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

- feature@magzoid.com<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 17


ART OF CALLIGRAPHY<br />

18 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


ART OF CALLIGRAPHY<br />

Arabic<br />

Calligraphy<br />

Calligraphy is a visual art related to writ<strong>in</strong>g. It is <strong>the</strong> design and execution<br />

of letter<strong>in</strong>g with a pen, <strong>in</strong>k brush, or o<strong>the</strong>r writ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>strument. Modern<br />

calligraphy ranges from functional <strong>in</strong>scriptions and designs to f<strong>in</strong>e-art piece.<br />

Be<strong>in</strong>g one of <strong>the</strong> world’s most ancient and respected art forms, calligraphy has<br />

dim<strong>in</strong>ished <strong>in</strong> many parts of <strong>the</strong> world. But <strong>in</strong> Arabic culture, <strong>the</strong> more than<br />

2,000-year-old tradition rema<strong>in</strong>s as vibrant and revered as ever.<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 19


ART OF CALLIGRAPHY<br />

A<br />

rabic<br />

calligraphy is<br />

<strong>the</strong> artistic<br />

practice<br />

of writ<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

calligraphy based on<br />

<strong>the</strong> Arabic alphabet<br />

It is known <strong>in</strong> Arabic as ‘khatt’ derived<br />

from <strong>the</strong> word 'l<strong>in</strong>e', 'design', or<br />

'construction'. Arabic calligraphy has<br />

been known and appreciated for<br />

its diversity and great potential for<br />

development. In fact, it has been l<strong>in</strong>ked<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arabic civilization to various fields<br />

such as religion, art, architecture,<br />

education and craftsmanship, which <strong>in</strong><br />

return have played an important role <strong>in</strong><br />

its advancement.<br />

Arabic calligraphy’s early<br />

development was not a l<strong>in</strong>ear process.<br />

A wide variety of scripts rose and fell<br />

<strong>in</strong> popularity <strong>in</strong> regions as far-flung as<br />

Damascus, Baghdad, Morocco, and<br />

Spa<strong>in</strong>. Kufic, named from <strong>the</strong> city of<br />

Kufah <strong>in</strong> Iraq, was <strong>the</strong> first universal<br />

script, and it dom<strong>in</strong>ated Arabic<br />

calligraphy from <strong>the</strong> 7th to <strong>the</strong> 11th<br />

century.<br />

Ano<strong>the</strong>r Arabic calligraphy script,<br />

widely known was Naskh script, was<br />

developed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 10th century. Used to<br />

copy books, especially <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran,<br />

Naskh, which means “copy,” was later<br />

ref<strong>in</strong>ed by Islamic calligraphy master<br />

Seyh Hamdullah. The Naskh Script<br />

was traditionally used for long texts<br />

and <strong>in</strong>scriptions and its use cont<strong>in</strong>ues<br />

till today <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> design of pr<strong>in</strong>ted arabic<br />

books, due to its modern look and<br />

cursive letters.<br />

20 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


ART OF CALLIGRAPHY<br />

Arabic calligraphy<br />

is still today one<br />

of <strong>the</strong> most widely<br />

acknowledged arts<br />

and cont<strong>in</strong>ues to<br />

develop both <strong>in</strong><br />

traditional methods<br />

as well as <strong>in</strong> digital<br />

and computergenerated<br />

arts.<br />

The traditional <strong>in</strong>strument<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Islamic calligrapher is<br />

<strong>the</strong> kalam, a pen normally made<br />

of dried reed or bamboo. The <strong>in</strong>k is<br />

often <strong>in</strong> colour and chosen so that<br />

its <strong>in</strong>tensity can vary greatly, creat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

dynamism and movement <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> letter<br />

forms. Some styles are often written<br />

us<strong>in</strong>g a metallic-tip pen.<br />

While Arabic calligraphy is heavily<br />

grounded <strong>in</strong> tradition, it serves as<br />

<strong>in</strong>spiration for modern art. In fact,<br />

many contemporary artists have<br />

developed <strong>the</strong>ir own style and<br />

techniques for Arabic calligraphy.<br />

Modern artists may put <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />

sp<strong>in</strong> on traditional letterforms and<br />

mediums, <strong>in</strong>corporat<strong>in</strong>g calligraphy<br />

<strong>in</strong>to jewelry and digital designs, or<br />

us<strong>in</strong>g pa<strong>in</strong>t on canvas, ra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>in</strong>k<br />

on paper.<br />

Arabic calligraphy is still today one<br />

of <strong>the</strong> most widely acknowledged<br />

arts and cont<strong>in</strong>ues to develop both <strong>in</strong><br />

traditional methods as well as <strong>in</strong> digital<br />

and computer-generated arts. Arabic<br />

calligraphers from around <strong>the</strong> world<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ue to develop <strong>the</strong>ir own styles<br />

and artwork based on exist<strong>in</strong>g scripts<br />

and <strong>the</strong>ir own letters and scripts.<br />

- feature@magzoid.com<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 21


EXPERIENCE<br />

The 5-star Radisson Blu<br />

Hotel, Dubai Waterfront is<br />

located <strong>in</strong> front of Dubai<br />

Water Canal, provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />

a stunn<strong>in</strong>g view and<br />

glorified with amaz<strong>in</strong>g ambience. The<br />

hotel features 432 rooms for bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />

or leisure travelers, complete with<br />

free Wi-Fi and <strong>in</strong>-room coffee and tea<br />

facilities. The meet<strong>in</strong>g or conference<br />

facilities cover 1,150 square<br />

meters and <strong>in</strong>clude a spacious<br />

outdoor terrace overlook<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

Burj Khalifa.<br />

For Whom?<br />

The hotel is very welcom<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

families as well as couples and<br />

<strong>in</strong>dividuals.<br />

Beautiful<br />

Memories<br />

and an<br />

unforgettable<br />

experience<br />

at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront<br />

Ambience and Room<br />

My reservation was <strong>in</strong> a bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />

class suite. As I walked through <strong>the</strong><br />

entrance, I was taken <strong>in</strong>to ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

dimension full of sensory experience<br />

of comfort and relaxation offer<strong>in</strong>g an<br />

exquisite experience. After a warm<br />

welcome by <strong>the</strong> team at <strong>the</strong> reception,<br />

I was guided for my overnight stay<br />

at <strong>the</strong> hotel, with all <strong>the</strong> necessary<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation about <strong>the</strong> tim<strong>in</strong>gs of <strong>the</strong><br />

pool, services and restaurants.<br />

I checked <strong>in</strong> to my room late <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

afternoon. It was absolutely clean and<br />

comfy with a k<strong>in</strong>g-sized bed. Add<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to it was <strong>the</strong> heart-wrench<strong>in</strong>g view<br />

of <strong>the</strong> waterfront. The liv<strong>in</strong>g room<br />

had a grand view of <strong>the</strong> Burj Khalifa<br />

and hence I decided to spend some<br />

time <strong>in</strong>side and ordered our food. I<br />

received a sweet surprise which was<br />

a fresh fruit salad. The food arrived<br />

on time and was a generous portion<br />

and we enjoyed every bit of it. After<br />

<strong>the</strong> delicious meal I decided to go for<br />

a walk near <strong>the</strong> pool where everyone<br />

seemed to be enjoy<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir day and<br />

<strong>the</strong> staff was extremely k<strong>in</strong>d and<br />

helpful.<br />

22 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


For d<strong>in</strong>ner we moved to FireLake<br />

grill restaurant. The view from<br />

<strong>the</strong> restaurant was absolutely<br />

breathtak<strong>in</strong>g at night.<br />

The staff were extremely<br />

patient with us and helped us<br />

order food and served<br />

us shortly.<br />

Restaurants and<br />

Eateries:<br />

The Hotel<br />

offers a total of<br />

four restaurants<br />

and cafés to<br />

<strong>in</strong>dulge <strong>in</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al<br />

experiences any time<br />

of day. Mak<strong>in</strong>g your<br />

morn<strong>in</strong>gs memorable with<br />

<strong>the</strong> vibrant breakfast spread<br />

served at The Larder, look forward<br />

to even<strong>in</strong>gs of open-flame cook<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong>spired by hearty Midwestern flavors<br />

at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar.<br />

Stop by <strong>the</strong> lobby-side hangout, Abraj,<br />

for a caffe<strong>in</strong>e kick and wholesome<br />

snacks. I was extremely impressed<br />

by <strong>the</strong> succulent options <strong>the</strong>y had for<br />

everyone.<br />

For d<strong>in</strong>ner we moved to FireLake<br />

grill restaurant. The view from <strong>the</strong><br />

restaurant was breathtak<strong>in</strong>g at night.<br />

The staff was extremely patient with<br />

us and helped us order food and<br />

served us shortly.<br />

For <strong>the</strong> afterd<strong>in</strong>ner<br />

elegance,<br />

<strong>the</strong> Scottish-style<br />

lounge Makar is a<br />

must for whisky and<br />

cigar aficionados.<br />

Post d<strong>in</strong>ner we<br />

headed back to our<br />

room. The morn<strong>in</strong>g<br />

breakfast buffet is amaz<strong>in</strong>g<br />

with a lot of options and even vegan<br />

options. After tak<strong>in</strong>g some strolls<br />

across <strong>the</strong> place, it was time to say<br />

goodbye and we checked out of<br />

<strong>the</strong> room with a lot of unforgettable<br />

experience, beautiful memories and<br />

a satisfied gut.<br />

Radisson Blu Dubai Waterfront<br />

undoubtedly offers a budget friendly,<br />

very pleas<strong>in</strong>g, k<strong>in</strong>d and friendly stay.<br />

A good option for your weekend’s<br />

rejuvenation, bus<strong>in</strong>ess meets and<br />

family get-outs.<br />

- feature@magzoid.com<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 23


INSPIRE & EMPOWER<br />

featured artist<br />

Sophie Green<br />

“Keep pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g, draw<strong>in</strong>g, and sculpt<strong>in</strong>g. Even if nobody is buy<strong>in</strong>g your art,<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> true to your mission and rem<strong>in</strong>d yourself why you are do<strong>in</strong>g it every<br />

day”, says Sophie Green<br />

- Exclusive to <strong>Magzoid</strong><br />

24 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


Sophie Green is a British<br />

artist resid<strong>in</strong>g currently<br />

<strong>in</strong> England follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

trends of conservation<br />

and wildlife art. Nature<br />

is someth<strong>in</strong>g close to her heart as<br />

she believes that nature’s brilliant<br />

glories enchant <strong>in</strong>dividuals and wake<br />

up a special bond that has been<br />

established way back by <strong>the</strong> creator.<br />

Nature stirs one's m<strong>in</strong>d with its<br />

mystery and makes us reflect on <strong>the</strong><br />

ability that created it all.<br />

She is an artist specialized <strong>in</strong><br />

Photorealism, also referred to as<br />

superrealism. It is a genre established<br />

by American author and art dealer<br />

Louis K. Meisel <strong>in</strong> 1969. Artists usually<br />

project pictures onto canvas to permit<br />

<strong>the</strong> photographs to be captured with<br />

preciseness and accuracy.<br />

Be<strong>in</strong>g a self-taught artist, she<br />

spent many years develop<strong>in</strong>g her<br />

skills, before embark<strong>in</strong>g on a fulltime<br />

career as a f<strong>in</strong>e artist. Sophie’s<br />

art aims to raise awareness and<br />

money for important conservational<br />

causes and endangered species, a<br />

very <strong>in</strong>novative and thoughtful way<br />

to save lives of endangered species<br />

and spread awareness.<br />

When asked what is <strong>the</strong> one th<strong>in</strong>g<br />

that makes her feel proud, she adds<br />

that she donates 10% of all her profits<br />

and <strong>the</strong> profits of her company, Art<br />

Basket, to conservation and wildlife<br />

charities. She is a proud member of<br />

<strong>the</strong> Artists for Conservation group<br />

and regularly donates artwork and<br />

money to help conservational efforts.<br />

Sophie takes her <strong>in</strong>spiration from<br />

mo<strong>the</strong>r earth which is so beautiful<br />

and yet so vulnerable and is often<br />

taken for granted every day. She<br />

draws <strong>in</strong>spiration from <strong>the</strong> natural<br />

world, and aims to make a difference<br />

before it is too late.<br />

She idolizes Joel Sartore and<br />

Crist<strong>in</strong>a Mittermeier s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>y are<br />

advocates for <strong>the</strong> world conservation.<br />

She feels that it is <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g to study<br />

<strong>the</strong> styles and techniques of o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

artists. However, it would still be<br />

au<strong>the</strong>ntic for people to discover and<br />

develop <strong>the</strong>ir own style and passion<br />

while <strong>the</strong>y are still <strong>in</strong> a safe and nonjudgmental<br />

environment.<br />

Sophie was able to thrive dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong> recent pandemic, as dur<strong>in</strong>g this<br />

time she was able to hone her skills<br />

and create a name for herself as she<br />

started to pa<strong>in</strong>t more. She displays<br />

her works on her Instagram page<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 25


When asked what is <strong>the</strong><br />

one th<strong>in</strong>g that makes<br />

her feel proud, she<br />

adds that she donates<br />

10% of all her profits<br />

and <strong>the</strong> profits of her<br />

company, Art Basket,<br />

to conservation and<br />

wildlife charities.<br />

@sophiegreenf<strong>in</strong>eart.<br />

She was also shortlisted for several<br />

awards and won <strong>the</strong> People’s Choice<br />

award <strong>in</strong> 2020, which she takes great<br />

pride <strong>in</strong>. Her message to <strong>the</strong> fellow<br />

artisans is, “Keep pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g, draw<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

and sculpt<strong>in</strong>g. Even if nobody is<br />

buy<strong>in</strong>g your art, rema<strong>in</strong> true to your<br />

mission and your passion and rem<strong>in</strong>d<br />

yourself why you are do<strong>in</strong>g it every<br />

day. Once you are <strong>in</strong> alignment <strong>in</strong> this<br />

way, everyth<strong>in</strong>g else will flow.”<br />

- feature@magzoid.com<br />

26 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


WORLD EMOJI DAY<br />

The first emoji ever<br />

was created by<br />

Shigetaka Kurita <strong>in</strong><br />

1999 when he worked<br />

as an eng<strong>in</strong>eer at <strong>the</strong><br />

Japanese Mobile<br />

Operator, NTT<br />

Docomo.<br />

World Emoji Day is<br />

an annual unofficial<br />

holiday occurr<strong>in</strong>g<br />

on 17 <strong>July</strong>, <strong>in</strong>tended<br />

to celebrate emojis.<br />

It is a global celebration of <strong>the</strong> digital<br />

icon that has helped people around<br />

<strong>the</strong> world express <strong>the</strong>ir emotions better.<br />

When you are at a loss of words or<br />

Emoji<br />

WORLD<br />

DAY<br />

World Emoji Day is an<br />

annual unofficial holiday<br />

occurr<strong>in</strong>g on 17 <strong>July</strong>, <strong>in</strong>tended<br />

to celebrate emojis.<br />

simply too lazy to type, you can convey<br />

a wide range of emotions through just<br />

a tap of your f<strong>in</strong>ger.<br />

World Emoji Day, created by Jeremy<br />

Burge celebrated on <strong>July</strong> 17 is also <strong>the</strong><br />

date on <strong>the</strong> calendar emoji on iPhone.<br />

He is also known as <strong>the</strong> founder of<br />

Emojipedia. Emojipedia is an emoji<br />

reference website which documents<br />

<strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g and common usage<br />

of emoji characters <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Unicode<br />

Standard. This event also marks <strong>the</strong><br />

day that Apple announces all upcom<strong>in</strong>g<br />

expansions to its emoji packs.<br />

The ma<strong>in</strong> purpose of <strong>the</strong> day is to<br />

promote <strong>the</strong> use of emojis and spread<br />

<strong>the</strong> emoji for <strong>the</strong> enjoyment that <strong>the</strong>y<br />

br<strong>in</strong>g to all of those around us. Emojis,<br />

though be<strong>in</strong>g a small digital icon,<br />

has become an <strong>in</strong>tegral part of our<br />

conversation. For every feel<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong>re<br />

is an emoji now. When we feel lazy<br />

or when we are at a loss of<br />

words, we simply use emojis<br />

to express what we want.<br />

The first emoji ever was<br />

created by Shigetaka Kurita<br />

<strong>in</strong> 1999 when he worked<br />

as an eng<strong>in</strong>eer at <strong>the</strong><br />

Japanese Mobile<br />

Operator, NTT<br />

Docomo. It was<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> year 2010<br />

that <strong>the</strong>se emojis<br />

ga<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

popularity<br />

and came<br />

to be<br />

widely<br />

used by<br />

people<br />

over <strong>the</strong><br />

world. The<br />

orig<strong>in</strong>s of <strong>the</strong> word<br />

emoji, also come from<br />

Japanese – e (picture) and<br />

moji (character).<br />

The current creators of<br />

emojis have released more<br />

options that <strong>in</strong>clude gender-neutral<br />

alternatives, sk<strong>in</strong> tones all over <strong>the</strong><br />

spectrum and even representation of<br />

accessibility like mechanical limbs,<br />

hear<strong>in</strong>g aids, etc. to make this form of<br />

communication completely accessible.<br />

The usage of emojis has become such<br />

a common practice <strong>in</strong> popular culture<br />

that it is hard to imag<strong>in</strong>e not us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m<br />

now <strong>in</strong> our day-to-day lives.<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 27


COVER ARTIST<br />

28 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


COVER ARTIST<br />

Hyperrealism<br />

“Work everyday and produce a lot.<br />

Good art promotes itself”,<br />

says Fabiano Millani<br />

Exclusive to <strong>Magzoid</strong><br />

Fabiano Millani is a pa<strong>in</strong>ter<br />

born <strong>in</strong> São Paulo, Brazil.<br />

He began his career at <strong>the</strong><br />

age of 17 when he took<br />

up an artistic course with<br />

Edegar Cavalheiro. This experience<br />

made him realize his <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong><br />

realism and propelled him to start<br />

his artistic journey.<br />

He <strong>the</strong>n started his career as a<br />

visual artist and adm<strong>in</strong>istered a<br />

draw<strong>in</strong>g course <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> municipality<br />

of Santo Ângelo. “My <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> art<br />

arose through observation. I always<br />

enjoyed scribbl<strong>in</strong>g while wait<strong>in</strong>g for<br />

someth<strong>in</strong>g or even dur<strong>in</strong>g classes.<br />

It was someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>tuitive which<br />

emerged little by little and ended up<br />

becom<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dispensable <strong>in</strong> my daily<br />

life”, says Millani.<br />

In 2004, he broadened his<br />

horizons and expanded his draw<strong>in</strong>g<br />

course to o<strong>the</strong>r cities <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> region.<br />

Simultaneously, he taught at<br />

<strong>the</strong> 7th Academic Week of Arts,<br />

Communication and Music at <strong>the</strong><br />

University of Passo Fundo. Millani<br />

believes he is still at <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />

of his work as <strong>the</strong> desire to learn<br />

is still <strong>the</strong> same. In search of new<br />

challenges, <strong>in</strong> 2005, he started his<br />

first work on figurative style, pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g<br />

several canvases <strong>in</strong>spired by <strong>the</strong><br />

day to day life and experiences.<br />

When asked about his style of<br />

art, Millani says he doesn’t have<br />

any fixed style. “I th<strong>in</strong>k I’m still<br />

experiment<strong>in</strong>g. S<strong>in</strong>ce I receive<br />

several commissioned works, I end<br />

up with a mix between abstract,<br />

realism and hyperrealism.” He<br />

believes that everyth<strong>in</strong>g that is with<strong>in</strong><br />

our eyes’ reach can be transformed<br />

to art. Develop<strong>in</strong>g pieces br<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

out a satisfaction that allows one<br />

to always be open and explore new<br />

styles.<br />

The style of art he ma<strong>in</strong>ly focuses<br />

on currently is Hyperrealism.<br />

Hyperrealism is an art style that<br />

uses photographic techniques<br />

to simulate a real photograph.<br />

Photographic slide projections or<br />

multi-media projectors are used to<br />

project images onto canvases and<br />

rudimentary techniques such as<br />

gridd<strong>in</strong>g may also be used to ensure<br />

accuracy. The perception of <strong>the</strong><br />

human eye makes it impossible to<br />

dist<strong>in</strong>guish <strong>the</strong>m from a real photo.<br />

The majority of Millani’s hyperrealist<br />

art are made from oil pa<strong>in</strong>ts on<br />

www.magzoid.com<br />

<strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 29


COVER ARTIST<br />

30 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


COVER ARTIST<br />

For his artistic visual works, Millani has won<br />

<strong>the</strong> top spots <strong>in</strong> several pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g contests,<br />

such as <strong>the</strong> one <strong>in</strong> Depósito de Subsistência<br />

de Santo Ângelo, Batalhão de Comunicações<br />

de Santo Ângelo, SESI’s Descobr<strong>in</strong>do Talentos<br />

and Dess<strong>in</strong>er WordPress National Contest on<br />

Realistic Draw<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

canvases.<br />

In 2009, he built his own studio<br />

where he works exclusively as a<br />

visual artist and teaches pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g<br />

for around 60 students <strong>in</strong> person per<br />

month. For his artistic visual works,<br />

Millani has won <strong>the</strong> top spots <strong>in</strong><br />

several pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g contests, such as<br />

<strong>the</strong> one <strong>in</strong> Depósito de Subsistência<br />

de Santo Ângelo, Batalhão de<br />

Comunicações de Santo Ângelo,<br />

SESI’s Descobr<strong>in</strong>do Talentos and<br />

Dess<strong>in</strong>er WordPress National<br />

Contest on Realistic Draw<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

Two of his pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs were even<br />

published <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> book ‘Bienal Cristal<br />

de Talentos’ and one of his works<br />

was published <strong>in</strong> ACRILEX Annual<br />

Calendar.<br />

From 2016 onwards Millani has<br />

been conduct<strong>in</strong>g workshops, tak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong> technique he developed to<br />

several countries around <strong>the</strong> world,<br />

such as Italy, Mexico, Argent<strong>in</strong>a,<br />

Qatar, Uruguay, Turkey, Brazil,<br />

among o<strong>the</strong>rs. Most of his works<br />

are acquired by foreign clients from<br />

various countries around <strong>the</strong> world.<br />

Millani’s works are popular onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />

and, as of now, his viewership on<br />

his Instagram handle @fabiano_<br />

millani is a whopp<strong>in</strong>g 431,000 and<br />

count<strong>in</strong>g!<br />

The secret of Millani’s success<br />

is his hard work and dedication to<br />

his craft. His message to readers<br />

is “Work everyday and produce a<br />

lot. Good art promotes itself.” Do<strong>in</strong>g<br />

what we love gives us a sense of<br />

accomplishment as people and as<br />

professionals.<br />

For those who are start<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

art <strong>in</strong>dustry, he has one tip. Place<br />

your artwork <strong>in</strong> front of <strong>the</strong> mirror<br />

and look at it <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> perspective<br />

of <strong>the</strong> viewer. This will make you<br />

realize <strong>the</strong> mistakes that you may<br />

have not had noticed because you<br />

were too attached to what you are<br />

develop<strong>in</strong>g. This will contribute to<br />

your perception and will help to<br />

improve on your works..<br />

- feature@magzoid.com<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 31


Read more at<br />

www.magzoid.com<br />

French Artist JR’s new art <strong>in</strong>stallation leaves Effiel<br />

Tower perched over rav<strong>in</strong>e<br />

An art <strong>in</strong>stallation has<br />

created <strong>the</strong> optical<br />

illusion that <strong>the</strong> French<br />

capital’s Eiffel Tower is<br />

perched precariously<br />

over a rocky rav<strong>in</strong>e. The artwork, by<br />

<strong>the</strong> artist who uses <strong>the</strong> pseudonym<br />

JR, is located at Place du Trocadéro<br />

near <strong>the</strong> Palais de Chaillot.<br />

The new work tricks <strong>the</strong> eye to<br />

believe that Effiel Tower is perched<br />

on a pair of cliffs. When a visitor<br />

stands <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> right spot, <strong>the</strong> artwork<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> foreground and <strong>the</strong> tower <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> background l<strong>in</strong>e up with each<br />

Large queues of<br />

people keen to take<br />

pictures jump<strong>in</strong>g<br />

over <strong>the</strong> wouldbe<br />

chasm have<br />

formed near <strong>the</strong><br />

black-and-white<br />

photomontage.<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r, and <strong>the</strong> illusion is created.<br />

Large queues of people keen to take<br />

pictures jump<strong>in</strong>g over <strong>the</strong> would-be<br />

chasm have formed near <strong>the</strong> blackand-white<br />

photomontage.<br />

The Paris piece launches on <strong>the</strong><br />

eve of <strong>the</strong> mid-career survey, JR<br />

Chronicles, billed as <strong>the</strong> largest solo<br />

museum exhibition to date of <strong>the</strong><br />

artist’s works, which is due to launch<br />

at <strong>the</strong> Saatchi Gallery <strong>in</strong> London<br />

from June 4 to October 3.<br />

The survey is an expanded<br />

version of an exhibition shown at<br />

<strong>the</strong> Brooklyn Museum <strong>in</strong> New York<br />

<strong>in</strong> 2019. The show is due to <strong>in</strong>clude<br />

Tehachapi (2019) which charts a<br />

collaborative project co-created with<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>mates of a maximum-security<br />

prison <strong>in</strong> California (JR pasted<br />

338 strips of paper on <strong>the</strong> prison<br />

yard floor, creat<strong>in</strong>g a vast mural of<br />

prisoners and staff that is visible<br />

from above).<br />

In March, JR unveiled a work on<br />

<strong>the</strong> façade of <strong>the</strong> Palazzo Strozzi <strong>in</strong><br />

Florence which created an illusion of<br />

a 28m tall crack <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> build<strong>in</strong>g which<br />

shows <strong>the</strong> gallery <strong>in</strong> half. The art<br />

<strong>in</strong>stallation was titled La Ferita.<br />

O<strong>the</strong>r notable works by <strong>the</strong> artist<br />

<strong>in</strong>clude The Secret of <strong>the</strong> Great<br />

Pyramid (2019), a large-scale illusory<br />

collaborative piece created to mark<br />

<strong>the</strong> 30th anniversary of <strong>the</strong> Louvre<br />

Pyramid. JR also helped coord<strong>in</strong>ate<br />

<strong>the</strong> “Art and Image” project at <strong>the</strong><br />

École Kourtrajmé, a c<strong>in</strong>ema school<br />

founded by his longtime collaborator<br />

and film director Ladj Ly.<br />

-news@magzoid.com<br />

32 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


Read more at<br />

www.magzoid.com<br />

200-metre-long artwork displayed on a<br />

hoard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Jumeirah<br />

Brand Dubai is <strong>the</strong> creative<br />

arm of <strong>the</strong> Government<br />

of Dubai Media Office<br />

(GDMO) and <strong>the</strong>y<br />

collaborated with Dubai<br />

Hold<strong>in</strong>g to br<strong>in</strong>g us a 200-metre-long<br />

fantastic work of art. The artwork is<br />

launched under <strong>the</strong> Jumeirah Project.<br />

The Jumeirah Project is an <strong>in</strong>itiative<br />

<strong>in</strong>troduced <strong>in</strong> 2018 to raise <strong>the</strong><br />

area’s profile as a social and cultural<br />

dest<strong>in</strong>ation. With this artworks,<br />

Brand Dubai <strong>in</strong>tends to <strong>in</strong>fuse a new<br />

creative energy <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> prom<strong>in</strong>ent<br />

neighbourhood.<br />

The artwork, created by 3D<br />

<strong>in</strong>ternational artist Juandres Vera,<br />

measures 236×12 metre and displays<br />

an image of a pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g brush creat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

long strokes of sea waves ridden by<br />

surfers on a hoard<strong>in</strong>g. The immersive<br />

artwork, <strong>in</strong>spired by surfers on<br />

Jumeira beach, allows viewers to be<br />

part of a 3D illusion of <strong>the</strong>m creat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong> waves with a brush.<br />

“Our partnership with Brand<br />

Dubai will enable us to fur<strong>the</strong>r drive<br />

public engagement with art and<br />

creativity across <strong>the</strong> city to help<br />

enhance peoples’ happ<strong>in</strong>ess and<br />

quality of life. We truly believe <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

positive, powerful impact of creative<br />

expression on society. In l<strong>in</strong>e with<br />

our mission to operate ‘For <strong>the</strong><br />

Good of Tomorrow’, we are proud to<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ue play<strong>in</strong>g a role <strong>in</strong> promot<strong>in</strong>g<br />

appreciation for art and artists and<br />

enhanc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> experience for <strong>the</strong><br />

community <strong>in</strong> all our dest<strong>in</strong>ations,”<br />

Khalid Al Malik, Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director of<br />

Dubai Hold<strong>in</strong>g, said.<br />

The project is among several of<br />

Dubai Hold<strong>in</strong>g’s ongo<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itiatives<br />

aimed at empower<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> emirate’s<br />

creative community as part of its<br />

mandate to operate ‘For <strong>the</strong> Good of<br />

Tomorrow’. S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>auguration of<br />

its Dubai Walls <strong>in</strong>itiative <strong>in</strong> 2016, Dubai<br />

Hold<strong>in</strong>g has rolled out various public<br />

art projects across its dest<strong>in</strong>ations,<br />

attractions and communities, allow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong> public to explore <strong>the</strong> works of<br />

unique world-class artists.<br />

Nehal Badri, Director of Brand<br />

Dubai, said: “Brand Dubai is pleased<br />

to partner with Dubai Hold<strong>in</strong>g to offer<br />

We are proud to<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ue play<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

role <strong>in</strong> promot<strong>in</strong>g<br />

appreciation for<br />

art and artists and<br />

enhanc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

experience for <strong>the</strong><br />

community <strong>in</strong> all our<br />

dest<strong>in</strong>ations.<br />

an excit<strong>in</strong>g new public art experience<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> city that will help enhance<br />

Dubai’s urban environment and<br />

highlight <strong>the</strong> city’s thriv<strong>in</strong>g creative<br />

culture. This project is <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with<br />

<strong>the</strong> vision of His Highness Sheikh<br />

Mohammed b<strong>in</strong> Rashid Al Maktoum,<br />

Vice-President and Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister<br />

of <strong>the</strong> UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to<br />

transform Dubai <strong>in</strong>to an open-air<br />

museum.”<br />

-news@magzoid.com<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 33


ART<br />

ROLE OF<br />

PUBLIC ART<br />

IN SOCIETY<br />

Art has <strong>the</strong> ability to express<br />

<strong>the</strong> emotions and struggles of<br />

<strong>the</strong> society and helps to cope<br />

and overcome. It can <strong>in</strong>spire<br />

and supply a less complicated<br />

viewpo<strong>in</strong>t provid<strong>in</strong>g people<br />

with a clearer po<strong>in</strong>t of view on<br />

concern<strong>in</strong>g issues happen<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

34 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


ART<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 35


ART<br />

Art has <strong>the</strong> ability to<br />

express <strong>the</strong> emotions<br />

and struggles of <strong>the</strong><br />

society and helps to<br />

cope and overcome.<br />

It can <strong>in</strong>spire and supply a less<br />

complicated viewpo<strong>in</strong>t provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />

people with a clearer po<strong>in</strong>t of view on<br />

concern<strong>in</strong>g issues happen<strong>in</strong>g. Art can<br />

be an avenue designed to generate<br />

impact, to alter somebody’s m<strong>in</strong>dset,<br />

make a change for <strong>the</strong> better and to<br />

create a difference.<br />

Public art adds huge worth to <strong>the</strong><br />

cultural, aes<strong>the</strong>tic, and economic<br />

vitality of a community. It is a wellaccepted<br />

pr<strong>in</strong>ciple that public art<br />

contributes to a community’s identity,<br />

fosters community pride and a way<br />

of belong<strong>in</strong>g, and enhances <strong>the</strong><br />

standard of life for its residents and<br />

visitors.<br />

Art often explores broad ideas or<br />

<strong>the</strong>mes, some more obvious than<br />

o<strong>the</strong>rs, and often reflects on <strong>the</strong><br />

time period <strong>in</strong> which it was created,<br />

whe<strong>the</strong>r as a statement of support or<br />

a reaction aga<strong>in</strong>st someth<strong>in</strong>g. This is<br />

best portrayed <strong>in</strong> public art, especially<br />

s<strong>in</strong>ce everyone has access to it. Be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

directly <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> public sphere and not<br />

conf<strong>in</strong>ed to galleries or museum, art<br />

enriches one’s physical atmosphere,<br />

plazas, city build<strong>in</strong>gs and colleges<br />

to life. Creat<strong>in</strong>g collateral learn<strong>in</strong>g<br />

environments opens eyes and m<strong>in</strong>ds,<br />

rais<strong>in</strong>g public awareness regard<strong>in</strong>g<br />

vital community issues.<br />

Cities with a vigorous and dynamic<br />

cultural scene are a lot more engag<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to people and bus<strong>in</strong>esses. So, <strong>in</strong> a way,<br />

cities ga<strong>in</strong> real value through public<br />

art. When done well, a public artwork<br />

engages people <strong>in</strong> conversation that<br />

can help <strong>in</strong> understand<strong>in</strong>g historical<br />

and cultural backgrounds. In a world<br />

struggl<strong>in</strong>g with new ways to connect,<br />

public art can make public spaces<br />

more approachable and help with<br />

public <strong>in</strong>teraction.<br />

ART CAN INSPIRE, RAISE<br />

QUESTIONS, PROVOKE AND<br />

EMPOWER – JUST WHAT IS<br />

NEEDED TO ENACT SOCIAL<br />

CHANGE. PAINTINGS,<br />

SCULPTURES, TEXTILES<br />

ALL HAVE SYMBOLIC<br />

MEANINGS EMBEDDED<br />

WITHIN THEM AND OFTEN<br />

PLAY A ROLE IN BELIEFS<br />

AND RITUALS.<br />

Artists have made draw<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />

pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs, sculptures and many o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

objects to challenge assumptions,<br />

to support causes, and to explore<br />

deep personal questions. Throughout<br />

history, art has been used for many<br />

purposes, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g permit<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong>dividuals from different cultures<br />

and backgrounds to communicate<br />

with each o<strong>the</strong>r. Art can <strong>in</strong>spire, raise<br />

questions, provoke and empower –<br />

36 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


ART<br />

just what is needed to enact social<br />

change. Pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs, sculptures,<br />

textiles all have symbolic mean<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

embedded with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>m and often play<br />

a role <strong>in</strong> beliefs and rituals.<br />

Public art directly <strong>in</strong>fluences how<br />

people see and connect with a<br />

place, provid<strong>in</strong>g access to aes<strong>the</strong>tics<br />

that support its identity and mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

residents feel appreciated and<br />

valued. Provid<strong>in</strong>g skilled opportunities<br />

for artists, public art cultivates an<br />

environment with which <strong>the</strong> artistic<br />

class thrives. It also creates an<br />

ecosystem that supports <strong>the</strong> artists<br />

and o<strong>the</strong>r creatives by validat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong>m as important contributors to<br />

<strong>the</strong> community. Public art not only<br />

enhances <strong>the</strong> value of <strong>the</strong> community,<br />

but also sends a message to its<br />

people and to <strong>the</strong> visitors about what<br />

<strong>the</strong> community stands for and what<br />

<strong>the</strong>y believe <strong>in</strong>.<br />

- editor@magzoid.com<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 37


Read more at<br />

www.magzoid.com<br />

In honor of <strong>the</strong> UAE’s 50th anniversary, New York State<br />

has declared December 2, <strong>2021</strong> as Emirati Day<br />

New York State has named<br />

December 2, <strong>2021</strong> as<br />

Emirati Day <strong>in</strong> recognition<br />

of <strong>the</strong> country’s upcom<strong>in</strong>g<br />

50th Anniversary. Dubaiborn<br />

New York state Senator Kev<strong>in</strong><br />

Thomas made <strong>the</strong> announcement of<br />

<strong>the</strong> resolution <strong>in</strong> a televised speech<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> state senate.<br />

The legislator said that from<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>ess and trade to fashion to<br />

education, New York has strong ties<br />

with <strong>the</strong> Emirates. New York is among<br />

<strong>the</strong> most popular dest<strong>in</strong>ations for<br />

Emirati students attend<strong>in</strong>g university,<br />

and one of <strong>the</strong> top five US states <strong>in</strong><br />

terms of exports to <strong>the</strong> UAE.<br />

Born <strong>in</strong> Dubai, Kev<strong>in</strong> Thomas<br />

moved to New York <strong>in</strong> 1995 when<br />

“I’m honoured to<br />

stand and <strong>in</strong>troduce<br />

this legislative<br />

resolution to<br />

commemorate <strong>the</strong><br />

50th Independence<br />

Day of <strong>the</strong> UAE by<br />

declar<strong>in</strong>g December<br />

2, <strong>2021</strong>, as Emirati<br />

Day <strong>in</strong> New York<br />

State,”<br />

he was 10. “I’m honoured to stand<br />

and <strong>in</strong>troduce this legislative<br />

resolution to commemorate <strong>the</strong><br />

50th Independence Day of <strong>the</strong> UAE<br />

by declar<strong>in</strong>g December 2, <strong>2021</strong>,<br />

as Emirati Day <strong>in</strong> New York State,”<br />

Thomas said while address<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

Senate.<br />

“Their National Day, which is<br />

celebrated on December 2 each<br />

year, commemorates <strong>the</strong> found<strong>in</strong>g<br />

of <strong>the</strong> UAE. But this year, it’s a very<br />

different type of celebration because<br />

<strong>the</strong> country will be celebrat<strong>in</strong>g its<br />

50th. President Sheikh Khalifa b<strong>in</strong><br />

Zayed Al Nahyan proclaimed <strong>2021</strong><br />

as <strong>the</strong> 50th year, which represents<br />

a def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g moment <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country’s<br />

history.” Thomas added.<br />

Abdalla Shaheen, consul general<br />

of <strong>the</strong> UAE <strong>in</strong> New York thanked<br />

<strong>the</strong> senator for <strong>the</strong> honour. “This<br />

December, <strong>the</strong> UAE will not only<br />

celebrate its 50th anniversary –<br />

we will also celebrate 50 years of<br />

friendship with <strong>the</strong> State of New<br />

York,” he wrote on Instagram.<br />

“Strong bus<strong>in</strong>ess and trade ties,<br />

coupled with a range of partnerships<br />

through <strong>the</strong> arts, sports, and<br />

education, are <strong>the</strong> foundation of this<br />

close relationship. I thank Senator<br />

Thomas for <strong>in</strong>troduc<strong>in</strong>g a resolution<br />

commemorat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> UAE’s 50th<br />

anniversary <strong>in</strong> New York State, which<br />

reflects our shared understand<strong>in</strong>g<br />

that <strong>the</strong> friendship between <strong>the</strong><br />

UAE and New York is set to grow<br />

from strength to strength <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

years ahead.”<br />

-news@magzoid.com<br />

38 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


Read more at<br />

www.magzoid.com<br />

$200M renovation unveiled by Philadelphia<br />

Museum of Art<br />

The four-year renovation<br />

and expansion of <strong>the</strong><br />

Philadelphia Museum of<br />

Art has completed and<br />

<strong>the</strong> museum unveiled its<br />

results to <strong>the</strong> public. The expansion<br />

plan was executed under <strong>the</strong><br />

architect Frank Gehry.<br />

The museum was first designed by<br />

Horace Trumbauer and Julian Abele<br />

<strong>in</strong> 1928 and has massive columns<br />

which resembles Greek Temples.<br />

Gehry focused on build<strong>in</strong>gs center,<br />

leav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> façade of <strong>the</strong> landmark<br />

Beaux Arts structure largely<br />

untouched. The total budget of <strong>the</strong><br />

renovation was $233 Million which<br />

was approved by <strong>the</strong> museum’s<br />

board <strong>in</strong> 2004.<br />

The renovation created a n<strong>in</strong>ety<br />

thousand square feet of gallery<br />

space <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> museum. An auditorium<br />

which was <strong>in</strong>troduced <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> build<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong> 1959 was demolished replac<strong>in</strong>g it<br />

with Williams Forum which will serve<br />

as an open public space boast<strong>in</strong>g<br />

forty-foot-high ceil<strong>in</strong>gs. Connect<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong> museum’s ground floor to its<br />

upper levels via two new sets of<br />

staircases, <strong>the</strong> multistory forum will<br />

host a wide range of activities. The<br />

new space also provides an ideal<br />

sett<strong>in</strong>g for large-scale artworks, with<br />

<strong>in</strong>stallations by Teresita Fernández,<br />

The museum was first designed by<br />

Horace Trumbauer and Julian Abele <strong>in</strong><br />

1928 and has massive columns which<br />

resembles Greek Temples.<br />

El Anatsui, and Do Ho Suh planned.<br />

Additional changes <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>the</strong><br />

rebuild<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> museum’s West<br />

Terrace, which features <strong>in</strong>tegrated<br />

ramps improv<strong>in</strong>g accessibility;<br />

<strong>the</strong> restoration of a tiled walkway<br />

spann<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> breadth of <strong>the</strong><br />

museum; and <strong>the</strong> renovation of<br />

Lenfest Hall, which connects with <strong>the</strong><br />

new forum, allow<strong>in</strong>g for better visitor<br />

circulation throughout <strong>the</strong> build<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Areas formerly hous<strong>in</strong>g offices, a<br />

restaurant, and a shop have been<br />

converted <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> Robert L. McNeil<br />

Jr. Galleries, which will focus on early<br />

American art of Philadelphia, and<br />

<strong>the</strong> Daniel W. Dietrich II Galleries,<br />

which will host contemporary work<br />

by <strong>the</strong> city’s artists.<br />

The next phase of <strong>the</strong> museum’s<br />

restoration is slated to take place<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g a future round of fundrais<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

and will <strong>in</strong>clude an eighty-thousandsquare-foot<br />

expansion beneath <strong>the</strong><br />

museum’s East Terrace.<br />

-news@magzoid.com<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 39


40 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


INSPIRE & EMPOWER<br />

featured artist<br />

Fateme Shahidi<br />

“Re<strong>in</strong>force your self-confidence and believe that your art looks like your<br />

f<strong>in</strong>ger pr<strong>in</strong>t. Don’t compare yourself with o<strong>the</strong>rs!”, says Fateme Shahidi.<br />

- Exclusive to <strong>Magzoid</strong><br />

Fateme Shahidi is an artist<br />

from Iran specializ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

color pencil draw<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

sketch<strong>in</strong>g. An analogy says<br />

that <strong>the</strong> art of sketch<strong>in</strong>g<br />

is to <strong>the</strong> picturesque traveler, what<br />

<strong>the</strong> art of writ<strong>in</strong>g is to <strong>the</strong> scholar.<br />

Sketches are ei<strong>the</strong>r taken from <strong>the</strong><br />

imag<strong>in</strong>ation, or from nature. When <strong>the</strong><br />

imag<strong>in</strong>ary sketch proceeds from <strong>the</strong><br />

hands of a master, it is very valuable.<br />

The imag<strong>in</strong>ation of an artist or a<br />

pa<strong>in</strong>ter, is filled with all <strong>the</strong> elegant<br />

forms and strik<strong>in</strong>g effects. These, like<br />

a magician, are at pleasure with a<br />

wave of a hand; br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g before <strong>the</strong><br />

eye, someth<strong>in</strong>g magical.<br />

Shahidi follows <strong>the</strong> trends of<br />

hyperrealism <strong>in</strong> her artworks.<br />

Hyperrealism is an art that <strong>in</strong>cludes<br />

<strong>the</strong> real world’s extremely realistic<br />

surround<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> an unusual, different,<br />

and appeal<strong>in</strong>g manner that creates a<br />

false reality for <strong>the</strong> audience.<br />

Her art ma<strong>in</strong>ly focuses on <strong>the</strong><br />

sense of m<strong>in</strong>ute details. She is this<br />

meticulous because she was able<br />

to grow her career on her own. She<br />

developed her career by read<strong>in</strong>g<br />

articles and watch<strong>in</strong>g tutorials, which<br />

are <strong>the</strong> best way to help people<br />

learn on <strong>the</strong>ir own. After quite some<br />

time, while focus<strong>in</strong>g on build<strong>in</strong>g her<br />

artistic career, she also started to<br />

share her talents and creativity with<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 41


She believes that<br />

<strong>the</strong> pandemic was a<br />

golden time for her,<br />

because it was dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong> pandemic that<br />

she started focus<strong>in</strong>g<br />

on art professionally<br />

and concentrated<br />

on improv<strong>in</strong>g her<br />

technique and<br />

styles.<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r people by teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m her<br />

techniques. This helps her keep up<br />

with <strong>the</strong> trends <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> arts <strong>in</strong>dustry.<br />

She takes great pride when most<br />

people tell her that <strong>the</strong> expressions<br />

and feel<strong>in</strong>g through <strong>the</strong> portraits<br />

she creates, especially <strong>the</strong> eyes<br />

of <strong>the</strong> portrait, look extremely real<br />

and lifelike. She believes that <strong>the</strong><br />

pandemic was a golden time for her,<br />

because it was dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> pandemic<br />

that she started focus<strong>in</strong>g on art<br />

professionally and concentrated on<br />

improv<strong>in</strong>g her technique and styles.<br />

She promotes her works on her<br />

Instagram page @_moonartgallery_.<br />

Her message to <strong>the</strong> fellow artists is,<br />

“Re<strong>in</strong>force your self-confidence and<br />

believe that your art looks like your<br />

f<strong>in</strong>ger pr<strong>in</strong>t. Don’t compare yourself<br />

with o<strong>the</strong>rs! Try to be impressive and<br />

express your attitude through your<br />

artworks.”<br />

Sheila Giovanni is Fateme’s color<br />

pencil idol <strong>in</strong> hyperrealism, but <strong>the</strong><br />

greatest <strong>in</strong>spiration she believes,<br />

is <strong>the</strong> future version of herself. The<br />

futures is what everyone should<br />

believe <strong>in</strong> and look forward to because<br />

it will be able to help us be better than<br />

who we were yesterday and try to f<strong>in</strong>d<br />

new ways to love ourselves more.<br />

Shahidi is an aspir<strong>in</strong>g artist who was<br />

able to believe <strong>in</strong> herself by <strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>g<br />

time and effort <strong>in</strong> specializ<strong>in</strong>g her craft.<br />

She believes that art is important<br />

especially dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se days because<br />

art helps people to improve <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

creativity. The time spent mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

art gives you <strong>in</strong>ner peace and<br />

calms you.<br />

- feature@magzoid.com<br />

42 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


SPECIAL DAY<br />

World<br />

Population Day<br />

World Population Day is observed on <strong>July</strong> 11 every year.<br />

The day which is be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

celebrated for over three<br />

decades, is meant to<br />

raise awareness about<br />

solutions related to <strong>the</strong><br />

issues of a grow<strong>in</strong>g population. It<br />

is aimed to shift <strong>the</strong> focus towards<br />

<strong>the</strong> urgency and <strong>the</strong> significance of<br />

issues related to population.<br />

The World Population Day was<br />

established by <strong>the</strong> Govern<strong>in</strong>g Council<br />

of <strong>the</strong> United Nations Development<br />

Programme <strong>in</strong> 1989. By resolution<br />

45/216 of December<br />

1990, <strong>the</strong> UN<br />

General Assembly decided to<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ue observ<strong>in</strong>g World Population<br />

Day to enhance awareness of<br />

population issues, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

relations to <strong>the</strong> environment and<br />

development.<br />

It was first marked on 11 <strong>July</strong> 1990 <strong>in</strong><br />

more than 90 countries. S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>n, a<br />

number of United Nations Population<br />

Fund (UNFPA) country offices and<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r organizations and <strong>in</strong>stitutions<br />

commemorate World Population Day,<br />

<strong>in</strong> partnership with governments and<br />

civil society.<br />

The day is<br />

significant because it highlights <strong>the</strong><br />

problems of overpopulation, raises<br />

awareness about <strong>the</strong> effects of<br />

overpopulation on <strong>the</strong> environment<br />

and development. It also talks about<br />

<strong>the</strong> health problems faced by child<br />

bear<strong>in</strong>g women and <strong>the</strong> importance<br />

of family plann<strong>in</strong>g, gender equality,<br />

poverty, maternal health and human<br />

rights.<br />

The day was <strong>in</strong>spired by <strong>the</strong> public<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> Five Billion Day on <strong>July</strong> 11,<br />

1987, <strong>the</strong> approximate date on which<br />

<strong>the</strong> world’s population reached five<br />

billion people. The world has come<br />

a long way s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>n. As of June<br />

<strong>2021</strong>, accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> worldmeters<br />

website, <strong>the</strong> world population has<br />

hit an all-time high at 7.9 billion<br />

people.<br />

-news@magzoid.com<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 43


Read more at<br />

www.magzoid.com<br />

Expo 2020 Dubai unveils <strong>the</strong> Women’s Pavilion <strong>in</strong><br />

collaboration with Cartier<br />

Celebrat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong> significant<br />

contributions of<br />

women, <strong>the</strong> pavilion<br />

will demonstrate an<br />

important pr<strong>in</strong>ciple:<br />

when women thrive,<br />

all of humanity<br />

thrives.<br />

Expo 2020 Dubai has<br />

reaffirmed its commitment<br />

to gender equality and<br />

female empowerment,<br />

unveil<strong>in</strong>g creative content<br />

and programm<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong> Women’s<br />

Pavilion <strong>in</strong> collaboration with Cartier.<br />

Tak<strong>in</strong>g place <strong>in</strong> Dubai from 1<br />

October <strong>2021</strong> to 31 March 2022 next<br />

year, <strong>the</strong> Women’s Pavilion will host<br />

an array of events, programm<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and mean<strong>in</strong>gful dialogues that will<br />

not only enhance knowledge and<br />

understand<strong>in</strong>g of gender equality<br />

and women’s empowerment, but<br />

also <strong>in</strong>vites visitors from around <strong>the</strong><br />

world to jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> mak<strong>in</strong>g of a new<br />

world.<br />

Celebrat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> significant<br />

contributions of women, <strong>the</strong> pavilion<br />

will demonstrate an important<br />

pr<strong>in</strong>ciple: when women thrive, all<br />

of humanity thrives. It will highlight<br />

important contributions women have<br />

made <strong>in</strong> advanc<strong>in</strong>g societies, as well<br />

as <strong>the</strong> challenges women still face,<br />

especially as <strong>the</strong> world navigates<br />

through <strong>the</strong> COVID-19 pandemic<br />

and works toward a more susta<strong>in</strong>able<br />

future.<br />

Break<strong>in</strong>g stereotypes and<br />

deconstruct<strong>in</strong>g misconceptions on<br />

women’s roles, <strong>the</strong> pavilion will raise<br />

awareness by showcas<strong>in</strong>g both<br />

female and male contributors to<br />

women’s empowerment and gender<br />

equality, <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g visitors of all ages<br />

to become change-makers with<strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>ir own communities and beyond.<br />

Reem Al Hashimy, director general<br />

of Expo 2020 Dubai, and Cyrille<br />

Vigneron, chief executive of Cartier<br />

International, discussed Expo 2020’s<br />

role <strong>in</strong> offer<strong>in</strong>g a global platform to<br />

empower women and girls and to<br />

drive awareness of <strong>the</strong> Susta<strong>in</strong>able<br />

Development Goal of gender<br />

equality and women’s empowerment<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g a conversation with Becky<br />

Anderson, anchor for CNN.<br />

Across <strong>the</strong> six months of Expo, <strong>the</strong><br />

Women’s Pavilion will host an array of<br />

events, programm<strong>in</strong>g and mean<strong>in</strong>gful<br />

dialogues that will not only enhance<br />

knowledge and understand<strong>in</strong>g<br />

of gender equality and women’s<br />

empowerment, but also drive<br />

tangible, collaborative action that can<br />

be shared with <strong>the</strong> world.<br />

-news@magzoid.com<br />

44 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


Read more at<br />

www.magzoid.com<br />

Gucci sells its first NFT for $25,000 <strong>in</strong> an onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />

auction hosted by Christie’s<br />

As <strong>the</strong> former sales<br />

have been presented<br />

<strong>in</strong> collaboration with<br />

artists and estates,<br />

Christie’s collaboration<br />

with <strong>the</strong> luxury brand<br />

Gucci marks a new<br />

k<strong>in</strong>d of offer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

crypto-art space at<br />

auction.<br />

Aria” was<br />

launched <strong>in</strong> honor<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Italian<br />

brand’s 100-<br />

“Gucci<br />

year anniversary.<br />

The 15-and-a-half m<strong>in</strong>ute video<br />

that <strong>in</strong>spired <strong>the</strong> NFT features a<br />

dream-like, post-COVID clubb<strong>in</strong>g<br />

experience. The show features <strong>the</strong><br />

many aspects and layers of Gucci’s<br />

legacy, establish<strong>in</strong>g it as a perfect<br />

basis for Gucci’s first NFT.<br />

Multiple luxury brands have turned<br />

to non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The<br />

new, buzzy tech creates a non<strong>in</strong>terchangeable<br />

receipt for any digital<br />

artwork, video, piece of music or<br />

render<strong>in</strong>g, mark<strong>in</strong>g each digital asset<br />

as unique and verifiable. NFTs allow<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r forms of creative digital work<br />

to be fused <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> world of fashion,<br />

surpass<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> limitations of <strong>the</strong><br />

physical world by exist<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a digital<br />

space.<br />

Christie’s has been a pioneer<br />

auction house to facilitate NFTs<br />

sales. The house’s sale of Beeple’s<br />

Everydays: <strong>the</strong> First 5000 Days<br />

(2008–21) for $69 million <strong>in</strong> March<br />

was an unprecedented landmark<br />

that made Beeple <strong>the</strong> third-mostexpensive<br />

liv<strong>in</strong>g artist.<br />

S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>n, Christie’s has rolled out<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r NFT sales to attract an emerg<strong>in</strong>g<br />

class of crypto-wealthy buyers. As <strong>the</strong><br />

former sales have been presented<br />

<strong>in</strong> collaboration with artists and<br />

estates, Christie’s collaboration with<br />

<strong>the</strong> luxury brand Gucci marks a new<br />

k<strong>in</strong>d of offer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> crypto-art<br />

space at auction.<br />

The “Proof of Sovereignty” sale,<br />

which is curated by anonymous<br />

digital artist Lady PheOnix with<br />

Christie’s contemporary art specialist<br />

Noah Davis, also <strong>in</strong>cludes digital<br />

offer<strong>in</strong>gs by formidable media artists<br />

such as Jenny Holzer, Urs Fischer,<br />

Gerald La<strong>in</strong>g, and Nam June Paik.<br />

For this sale, Davis is plac<strong>in</strong>g stock<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> potential for NFTs to fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />

disrupt <strong>the</strong> art world. In a statement,<br />

Davis said, “It’s go<strong>in</strong>g to change <strong>the</strong><br />

way artists make art, and <strong>the</strong> way<br />

every creative <strong>in</strong>dustry operates, by<br />

democratiz<strong>in</strong>g access to <strong>in</strong>formation,<br />

dim<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g opacity <strong>in</strong> favor of<br />

transparency, and empower<strong>in</strong>g<br />

creative people everywhere.”<br />

-news@magzoid.com<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 45


EVENTS<br />

46 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


EVENTS<br />

Jewels of<br />

Emirates<br />

Show<br />

The second edition of<br />

‘Jewels of Emirates’<br />

show under <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>me<br />

“Glamour of Beauty” was<br />

held from June 30, <strong>2021</strong><br />

to <strong>July</strong> 3, <strong>2021</strong>. The four-day event<br />

was organized by <strong>the</strong> Expo Centre<br />

Sharjah with <strong>the</strong> support of <strong>the</strong><br />

Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and<br />

Industry (SCCI).<br />

Jewels of Emirates Show is <strong>the</strong><br />

first Emirati exhibition specialis<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong> diamond jewellery, gold jewellery,<br />

silver jewellery, pearl and gemstones,<br />

luxury watches, perfumes, and<br />

fragrances. The event provided a<br />

unique platform for showcas<strong>in</strong>g<br />

traditional and modern gold and silver<br />

sets and <strong>the</strong> latest designs of watches,<br />

diamonds, and gemstones. It also<br />

<strong>in</strong>cluded a special section for famous<br />

local brands of perfumes, fragrances,<br />

and Arab and International scents.<br />

The show witnessed a heavy<br />

turnout of visitors flock<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> event<br />

to take advantage of <strong>the</strong> excit<strong>in</strong>g<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 47


EVENTS<br />

Visitors of <strong>the</strong> show have also had <strong>the</strong><br />

opportunity to view <strong>the</strong> latest fashion designs<br />

and collections of jewelry, watches and goldware<br />

showcased by <strong>the</strong> most prestigious local brands.<br />

They were also able to take part <strong>in</strong> raffle draws<br />

to w<strong>in</strong> valuable prizes and gifts.<br />

48 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


EVENTS<br />

deals and attractive offers by over<br />

100 exhibit<strong>in</strong>g companies along with<br />

<strong>the</strong> most well-known jewelry and gold<br />

designers both locally and globally.<br />

Visitors of <strong>the</strong> show have also had<br />

<strong>the</strong> opportunity to view <strong>the</strong> latest<br />

fashion designs and collections<br />

of jewelry, watches and goldware<br />

showcased by <strong>the</strong> most prestigious<br />

local brands. They were also able<br />

to take part <strong>in</strong> raffle draws to w<strong>in</strong><br />

valuable prizes and gifts.<br />

The four-day event has effectively<br />

stimulated <strong>the</strong> gold and jewellery<br />

trade and resulted <strong>in</strong> several worthy<br />

deals, as confirmed by <strong>the</strong> majority<br />

of <strong>the</strong> exhibitors, who emphasized<br />

that <strong>the</strong> show helped <strong>the</strong>m achieve<br />

reward<strong>in</strong>g returns and great sales<br />

exceed<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir expectations.<br />

Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of<br />

Expo Centre Sharjah, emphasised<br />

that <strong>the</strong> number of exhibitors <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> latest edition of <strong>the</strong> show has<br />

exceeded 100, add<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong> centre<br />

experienced a noticeable growth <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> number of visitors and exhibitors<br />

compared to <strong>the</strong> first edition. These<br />

are positive signs that reflect <strong>the</strong><br />

dist<strong>in</strong>ction and importance of <strong>the</strong><br />

show with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry, he said.<br />

Laud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> dist<strong>in</strong>guished public<br />

turnout witnessed by <strong>the</strong> show,<br />

Sultan Shattaf, Director of Sales and<br />

Market<strong>in</strong>g Department, Expo centre<br />

Sharjah stated that <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>centives<br />

provided by <strong>the</strong> centre to support<br />

companies contributed greatly to<br />

motivat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> public to visit <strong>the</strong> show<br />

and avail of <strong>the</strong> excit<strong>in</strong>g deals and<br />

attractive offers available.<br />

- event@magzoid.com<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 49


ART OF BUSINESS<br />

Rizwan Sajan<br />

Founder and Chairman of Danube Group<br />

started it as a small trad<strong>in</strong>g firm <strong>in</strong> 1993 which has evolved and expanded, over <strong>the</strong> last<br />

25 years, <strong>in</strong>to a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate. Danube Group’s operation is dom<strong>in</strong>ated<br />

by two ma<strong>in</strong> segments- Build<strong>in</strong>g Materials FZCO and Danube Home (Home Interior/<br />

Décor Solutions), which br<strong>in</strong>gs toge<strong>the</strong>r a variety of state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art products available<br />

at showrooms strewn across <strong>the</strong> MENA region. Under Sajan's leadership, <strong>the</strong> company<br />

has charted a path that transformed from be<strong>in</strong>g just one shop with one employee to an<br />

employee strength of over 3,600 people <strong>in</strong> 50+ locations spread across 10 countries. From<br />

struggl<strong>in</strong>g to get a monthly job of $100 to a founder of a multi-billion-dollar venture, here is<br />

an excerpt of Sajan’s <strong>in</strong>teraction with <strong>Magzoid</strong>.<br />

Exclusive to <strong>Magzoid</strong><br />

You have prom<strong>in</strong>ently<br />

established yourself<br />

as a seasoned<br />

entrepreneur and<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>essman. We<br />

would like to know about your<br />

very first step <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world of<br />

entrepreneurship.<br />

My life story is of an ord<strong>in</strong>ary man<br />

whose experience has been full of<br />

adversities and hardships, which<br />

has molded me <strong>in</strong>to what I am today.<br />

In my op<strong>in</strong>ion, <strong>the</strong> th<strong>in</strong>g that turned<br />

my goals of runn<strong>in</strong>g my bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />

<strong>in</strong>to reality was that I never let <strong>the</strong><br />

challenges deter me from pursu<strong>in</strong>g<br />

what I desired. On <strong>the</strong> contrary,<br />

<strong>the</strong>y have always <strong>in</strong>tensified my<br />

will<strong>in</strong>gness to achieve <strong>the</strong>m. I started<br />

as an entrepreneur when I was 13<br />

when my parents could only afford to<br />

pay for my school<strong>in</strong>g but didn’t have<br />

<strong>the</strong> money for <strong>the</strong> bus or to have food<br />

from <strong>the</strong> canteen. So, to make that<br />

extra buck, I started sell<strong>in</strong>g books to<br />

my friends, crackers dur<strong>in</strong>g Diwali,<br />

rakhi dur<strong>in</strong>g Raksha Bandhan and<br />

what not. Possibly those would be<br />

my early stepp<strong>in</strong>g stones which did<br />

mold me to thrive for sett<strong>in</strong>g up my<br />

own bus<strong>in</strong>ess. My true step towards<br />

entrepreneurship started when I<br />

raised my bus<strong>in</strong>ess empire from a<br />

two-member (me and my wife) team<br />

to <strong>the</strong> place where you can see it<br />

now. It’s a dream come true for me <strong>in</strong><br />

every sense.<br />

How did you choose <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />

that you want to cater to and grow<br />

up to where you are now?<br />

I started my career at a build<strong>in</strong>g<br />

materials trad<strong>in</strong>g organization <strong>in</strong><br />

Kuwait back <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1980s. I was hired<br />

to help <strong>the</strong> management <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

50 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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ART OF BUSINESS<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 51


ART OF BUSINESS<br />

day-to-day sales activities. Be<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

quick learner, I learnt <strong>the</strong> tricks of<br />

<strong>the</strong> trade very fast, so much, that<br />

<strong>the</strong> management started to trust me<br />

with additional responsibilities. Soon<br />

after, I started to run <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess on<br />

a daily basis with <strong>the</strong> guidance of <strong>the</strong><br />

owner. The bus<strong>in</strong>ess cont<strong>in</strong>ued to<br />

grow and I played a crucial role <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

company’s growth.<br />

However, <strong>the</strong> Iraq-Kuwait war <strong>in</strong><br />

1990-1991 changed everyth<strong>in</strong>g. We<br />

had to leave <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess and Kuwait<br />

forever <strong>in</strong> 1991, and relocated back<br />

to Mumbai. Then about a year later, I<br />

decided to try my luck <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE – a<br />

land of opportunities.<br />

Here, I jo<strong>in</strong>ed a build<strong>in</strong>g materials<br />

company as a sales person and<br />

quickly started to obta<strong>in</strong> so many<br />

orders that <strong>the</strong> company did not have<br />

<strong>the</strong> means to handle <strong>the</strong>m. But I did<br />

not want to lose <strong>the</strong> orders. So, I<br />

started sourc<strong>in</strong>g supplies from o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

bigger companies and supplied to<br />

<strong>the</strong> buyers. This way, I accumulated<br />

some capital, which I <strong>in</strong>vested <strong>in</strong>, to<br />

establish Danube Build<strong>in</strong>g Materials<br />

– as a small shop.<br />

With <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>d of experience<br />

that you have, I’m sure you must<br />

have come across a lot. But, would<br />

you like to talk about any specific<br />

challeng<strong>in</strong>g situation that you<br />

had faced and how did you<br />

overcome it?<br />

I have faced all <strong>the</strong> typical<br />

challenges that all entrepreneurs<br />

face <strong>in</strong> general. However, <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>itial<br />

success <strong>in</strong> sell<strong>in</strong>g products and<br />

collect<strong>in</strong>g cheques had made it<br />

relatively easy for me. One of <strong>the</strong><br />

key challenges was to cope with <strong>the</strong><br />

ris<strong>in</strong>g demand <strong>in</strong> build<strong>in</strong>g materials<br />

due to <strong>the</strong> unprecedented boom <strong>in</strong><br />

real estate and construction. You<br />

need to have a very efficient team <strong>in</strong><br />

order to manage <strong>the</strong> growth. Luckily,<br />

I am blessed with a very agile and<br />

efficient team that managed <strong>the</strong><br />

growth year after year, as well as<br />

managed challeng<strong>in</strong>g situation when<br />

<strong>the</strong> economy slowed down.<br />

You have been deal<strong>in</strong>g with many<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>esses simultaneously and<br />

have successfully managed every<br />

one of <strong>the</strong>m pav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> path<br />

towards immense growth. What<br />

accord<strong>in</strong>g to you were <strong>the</strong> most<br />

important th<strong>in</strong>gs to make this<br />

possible?<br />

I strongly believe that, <strong>in</strong> order to<br />

make any bus<strong>in</strong>ess turn profitable,<br />

you must be able to evaluate <strong>the</strong><br />

failures you might encounter. I have<br />

seen many failures, but that has<br />

never deterred me from not push<strong>in</strong>g<br />

through. If you want to grow, you<br />

need to trust people. Many times,<br />

I have seen that when you start<br />

look<strong>in</strong>g out for <strong>the</strong> people, you f<strong>in</strong>d<br />

<strong>the</strong>m work<strong>in</strong>g better than you. It’s<br />

just that you need to make sure <strong>the</strong><br />

process is controlled and <strong>the</strong> vision<br />

you have is conveyed to <strong>the</strong>m and<br />

<strong>the</strong>y resonate it well. For me figur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

out <strong>the</strong> right people and delegat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong>m, empower<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong>m has worked like wonders. I<br />

credit my group’s success to my team<br />

who has been my biggest strength to<br />

help me scale new heights.<br />

I HAVE FACED ALL THE<br />

TYPICAL CHALLENGES THAT<br />

ALL ENTREPRENEURS FACE<br />

IN GENERAL. HOWEVER,<br />

THE INITIAL SUCCESS IN<br />

SELLING PRODUCTS AND<br />

COLLECTING CHEQUES HAD<br />

MADE IT RELATIVELY EASY<br />

FOR ME.<br />

As a visionary, how do you foresee<br />

<strong>the</strong> hospitality and real estate<br />

<strong>in</strong>dustries?<br />

Both <strong>the</strong>se <strong>in</strong>dustries are go<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

see a new dawn of light very shortly.<br />

Dubai, <strong>in</strong> specific has been marketed<br />

so well across <strong>the</strong> globe, to <strong>in</strong>stantiate,<br />

<strong>the</strong> current handl<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> pandemic<br />

by <strong>the</strong> government, a lot of people are<br />

look<strong>in</strong>g forward to relocate to <strong>the</strong> UAE.<br />

This will def<strong>in</strong>itely boost <strong>the</strong> economy<br />

which will <strong>in</strong> turn see a rise <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

commercial activity across <strong>the</strong> board.<br />

Hotels and commercial establishments<br />

would need to scale <strong>the</strong>ir operations<br />

and refurbish <strong>the</strong>ir exist<strong>in</strong>g venues to<br />

match <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>flow of demand. We, as<br />

a brand, saw this gap <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> market<br />

3 years back and launched Danube<br />

Hospitality Solutions, which will cater<br />

to <strong>the</strong> hospitality <strong>in</strong>dustry. As for real<br />

estate, we are budget players and our<br />

offer<strong>in</strong>gs are now be<strong>in</strong>g tapped by 1st<br />

time buyers and even <strong>in</strong>vestors who<br />

are look<strong>in</strong>g for a well-known budget<br />

proposition to <strong>in</strong>vest <strong>in</strong>to.<br />

Pandemic has been a major<br />

setback for many. What is your<br />

take on that?<br />

We have navigated through a<br />

number of crises <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> past. Hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />

an <strong>in</strong>herent culture of manag<strong>in</strong>g<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>ess more pragmatically, I<br />

believe <strong>the</strong>re are opportunities with<strong>in</strong><br />

every challenge and you need to<br />

have <strong>the</strong> foresight to understand that.<br />

In a crisis, one door might close,<br />

but multiple doors open. Besides,<br />

we are f<strong>in</strong>ancially a conservative<br />

organization with almost zero<br />

leverage. We do not bite more than<br />

we can chew – so <strong>the</strong> risks rema<strong>in</strong><br />

manageable.<br />

However, COVID-19 was like no<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r. It has a different magnitude.<br />

It changed <strong>the</strong> way we operate.<br />

We were quick to take a hold of<br />

<strong>the</strong> situation – our <strong>in</strong>ventory, order<br />

52 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

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ART OF BUSINESS<br />

backlogs – and above all, employees<br />

health, safety and well-be<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

To susta<strong>in</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess, we temporarily<br />

reduced <strong>the</strong>ir salary, and <strong>the</strong>n started<br />

pay<strong>in</strong>g full salary as soon as <strong>the</strong><br />

bus<strong>in</strong>esses reopened <strong>in</strong> <strong>July</strong> 2020.<br />

In fact, we repaid <strong>the</strong> 30 percent<br />

as soon as <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>come flow had<br />

resumed. Now, we are back aga<strong>in</strong>,<br />

grow<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

With Expo 2020 near<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong>re’s<br />

a lot of momentum ga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g all<br />

across. How’s Danube plann<strong>in</strong>g<br />

for it?<br />

Expo is go<strong>in</strong>g to be a big boon for<br />

<strong>the</strong> UAE’s economy. The estimate<br />

for <strong>the</strong> number of people com<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

<strong>the</strong> UAE was around 25 million; but<br />

because of <strong>the</strong> crisis, I still feel 15+<br />

million will def<strong>in</strong>itely come. Imag<strong>in</strong>e<br />

15-25 million people com<strong>in</strong>g over<br />

here and around 10 percent of <strong>the</strong><br />

people decide to buy a property,<br />

which is around 2 million people.<br />

Even if only 1 percent of <strong>the</strong> 15-25<br />

million actually buy a property, we<br />

are talk<strong>in</strong>g about 150,000 to 200,000<br />

apartments or villas be<strong>in</strong>g bought<br />

after <strong>the</strong> expo, which is a big boon.<br />

As <strong>the</strong> real estate market <strong>in</strong> Dubai<br />

matures, developers are faced with<br />

mak<strong>in</strong>g choices on <strong>the</strong> portfolio<br />

and <strong>the</strong>ir ability to sell <strong>the</strong>m, based<br />

on <strong>the</strong> market dynamics and <strong>the</strong><br />

demand-supply situation. There used<br />

to be a limited range of choice for<br />

<strong>the</strong> developers <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> olden days.<br />

However, as market matures, <strong>the</strong><br />

option also widens.<br />

Real estate is a long-term bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />

It is important to plan, build, market<br />

and sell <strong>the</strong> properties accord<strong>in</strong>gly.<br />

We have launched more than 6,100<br />

residential units <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> affordable<br />

homes s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> launch of Danube<br />

Properties seven years ago and<br />

sold all of <strong>the</strong>m due to <strong>the</strong>se four<br />

factors. Some of <strong>the</strong>se projects were<br />

launched dur<strong>in</strong>g long, hot summer<br />

time and around <strong>the</strong> holy month<br />

of Ramadan – not <strong>the</strong> ideal time to<br />

launch properties. However, we were<br />

able to sell it successfully.<br />

So, as a developer, I will cont<strong>in</strong>ue<br />

to bet on affordable homes.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to you, what are <strong>the</strong><br />

probable impacts and outcomes<br />

of Expo 2020?<br />

Expo 2020 will def<strong>in</strong>itely work well<br />

to raise <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>vestor confidence and<br />

<strong>the</strong> demand for real estate, hospitality,<br />

trade and tourism <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> region. It is a<br />

big opportunity for UAE to br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a<br />

lot of value and touristic attractions<br />

which will provide <strong>the</strong> biggest boost<br />

to <strong>the</strong> UAE’s economy, which is way<br />

ahead of o<strong>the</strong>r economies <strong>in</strong> terms<br />

of <strong>the</strong> post pandemic recovery. The<br />

hospitality, real estate, restaurants,<br />

rental cars <strong>in</strong>dustries will benefit<br />

massively from it and will br<strong>in</strong>g<br />

everyth<strong>in</strong>g back to <strong>the</strong> pre-covid level.<br />

What advice do you have for young<br />

and budd<strong>in</strong>g entrepreneurs?<br />

Believe <strong>in</strong> yourself. Make sure<br />

your bus<strong>in</strong>ess fulfills a need or a<br />

gap <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> society – and build <strong>the</strong><br />

bus<strong>in</strong>ess around it. Be honest, be<br />

truthful and face situations boldly.<br />

Don’t be afraid of failure. Let failure<br />

not def<strong>in</strong>e you. You should be def<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

by your <strong>in</strong>tegrity. Work for a cause,<br />

not money. Success will come and<br />

money will flow.<br />

What accord<strong>in</strong>g to you are <strong>the</strong> new<br />

areas of bus<strong>in</strong>ess where you see<br />

potential <strong>in</strong>?<br />

As an entrepreneur, I always<br />

look for bus<strong>in</strong>ess opportunities<br />

and wherever I can contribute to<br />

<strong>the</strong> UAE economy. We are always<br />

on <strong>the</strong> lookout for new bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />

opportunities. We only engage when<br />

we are sure about <strong>the</strong> opportunities<br />

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.<br />

MAKE SURE YOUR<br />

BUSINESS FULFILLS<br />

A NEED OR A GAP IN<br />

THE SOCIETY – AND<br />

BUILD THE BUSINESS<br />

AROUND IT. BE HONEST,<br />

BE TRUTHFUL AND FACE<br />

SITUATIONS BOLDLY.<br />

and our ability to steer that bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />

<strong>in</strong>to a profitable venture.<br />

As I have mentioned, we recently<br />

launched and expanded our<br />

hospitality division and we would like<br />

that division to stabilize and mature<br />

before we look <strong>in</strong>to any new <strong>in</strong>dustry.<br />

I sense <strong>the</strong> service, enterta<strong>in</strong>ment,<br />

hospitality and leisure <strong>in</strong>dustries<br />

will see a new lease of life with <strong>the</strong><br />

relax<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Covid-19 protocols<br />

and we are look<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong>se <strong>in</strong>dustries<br />

with a microscope and are already<br />

mak<strong>in</strong>g a headway <strong>in</strong>to each of <strong>the</strong>m.<br />

What are <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r th<strong>in</strong>gs that you<br />

get <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> dur<strong>in</strong>g your leisure<br />

hours?<br />

I am at a phase of life where by I<br />

believe health is wealth. I make sure<br />

I clock <strong>in</strong> a swim to get my daily dose<br />

of endorph<strong>in</strong>s for <strong>the</strong> day. Also, <strong>in</strong> my<br />

leisure I enjoy enterta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g friends<br />

and socializ<strong>in</strong>g which keeps my<br />

calendar pretty full.<br />

What message do you have for<br />

our readers?<br />

Life is a curveball. You do not f<strong>in</strong>d<br />

<strong>the</strong> happy life, you make it. So, follow<br />

your dreams, do your th<strong>in</strong>g with as<br />

much love and <strong>in</strong>tegrity as possible<br />

and leave <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> hands of <strong>the</strong><br />

creator.<br />

- feature@magzoid.com<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 53


Read more at<br />

www.magzoid.com<br />

Italian artist Salvatore Garau sells <strong>in</strong>visible art<br />

for $18,300<br />

Lo Sono went up for sale <strong>in</strong> May at <strong>the</strong><br />

Italian auction house Art-Rite. The pre-sale<br />

estimate valued <strong>the</strong> piece between €6,000-<br />

9,000, but compet<strong>in</strong>g bidders pushed <strong>the</strong><br />

price tag to €15,000.<br />

Italian artist Salvatore Garau sold<br />

an “immaterial sculpture”—which<br />

is to say that it doesn’t exist for<br />

€15,000 ($18,300). The artwork<br />

titled Io Sono, or “I am”, can be<br />

described as <strong>in</strong>visible or simply<br />

as noth<strong>in</strong>g. It does not exist <strong>in</strong> any<br />

material form. Though Garau did not<br />

describe it as such and expla<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

<strong>the</strong> concept beh<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> piece to<br />

publication Diario AS.<br />

“The vacuum is noth<strong>in</strong>g more than<br />

a space full of energy, and even<br />

if we empty it and <strong>the</strong>re is noth<strong>in</strong>g<br />

left, accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> Heisenberg<br />

uncerta<strong>in</strong>ty pr<strong>in</strong>ciple, that noth<strong>in</strong>g<br />

has a weight,” he said. “Therefore,<br />

it has energy that is condensed and<br />

transformed <strong>in</strong>to particles, that is,<br />

<strong>in</strong>to us.”<br />

Lo Sono went up for sale <strong>in</strong> May<br />

at <strong>the</strong> Italian auction house Art-Rite.<br />

The pre-sale estimate valued <strong>the</strong><br />

piece between €6,000-9,000, but<br />

compet<strong>in</strong>g bidders pushed <strong>the</strong> price<br />

tag to €15,000.<br />

The buyer received a certificate<br />

of au<strong>the</strong>nticity signed and stamped<br />

by Garau, along with <strong>in</strong>structions on<br />

how to display <strong>the</strong> work, specifically,<br />

to exhibit <strong>in</strong> a space measur<strong>in</strong>g fiveby-five-feet,<br />

unobstructed by o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

objects.<br />

While <strong>the</strong> artwork and its price<br />

may raise some eyebrows or <strong>in</strong>duce<br />

a chuckle, <strong>the</strong> artist <strong>in</strong>sists on his<br />

ideas, expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g that exhibit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

sculpture <strong>in</strong> a space concentrates<br />

a “density of thoughts at a precise<br />

po<strong>in</strong>t”.<br />

Lo Sono isn’t <strong>the</strong> only artwork of its<br />

k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong> Garau’s oeuvre. In February of<br />

this year, at <strong>the</strong> Piazza Della Scala <strong>in</strong><br />

Milan, <strong>the</strong> artist exhibited BUDDHA<br />

IN CONTEMPLATION, a similarly<br />

<strong>in</strong>visible sculpture demarcated by a<br />

square of tape on a cobble-stoned<br />

walkway. Meanwhile, this week, he<br />

<strong>in</strong>stalled AFRODITE CRIES <strong>in</strong> front<br />

of <strong>the</strong> New York City stock exchange.<br />

The effort, evidenced by an empty<br />

white circle, was supported by <strong>the</strong><br />

Italian Cultural Institute.<br />

-news@magzoid.com<br />

54 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


Read more at<br />

www.magzoid.com<br />

Iconic “Doge” meme NFT sold for $4M at an<br />

auction at Zora<br />

An NFT (non-fungible<br />

token) of “Doge,”<br />

<strong>the</strong> Shiba Inu image<br />

that’s been one of <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>in</strong>ternet’s most famous<br />

memes, made history after it sold<br />

for more than $4 million, mak<strong>in</strong>g it<br />

<strong>the</strong> most expensive meme NFT of<br />

all time. A portion of <strong>the</strong> proceeds<br />

from <strong>the</strong> sale of <strong>the</strong> NFT will go<br />

toward several charities, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong> Japanese Red Cross Society<br />

and <strong>the</strong> World Food Programme.<br />

A bidder named @pleasrdao<br />

claimed <strong>the</strong> NFT with a f<strong>in</strong>al bid of<br />

1,696.9 E<strong>the</strong>reum, a cryptocurrency<br />

worth approximately $4 million,<br />

accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> Doge auction site.<br />

“We’re so happy to be a part of<br />

this milestone <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternet history. If<br />

The Doge meme<br />

which is one<br />

of <strong>the</strong> most<br />

iconic memes <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>in</strong>ternet history,<br />

had previously<br />

won Know Your<br />

Meme’s ‘Meme<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Decade’<br />

award <strong>in</strong><br />

December 2019.<br />

any meme deserved to be <strong>the</strong> new<br />

meme NFT record holder, it’s Doge,”<br />

said Don Caldwell, editor-<strong>in</strong>-chief of<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternet meme database Know<br />

Your Meme, which certified Doge<br />

ahead of <strong>the</strong> auction to ensure that<br />

<strong>the</strong> meme was be<strong>in</strong>g sold by its<br />

rightful owner.<br />

The Doge meme which is one of<br />

<strong>the</strong> most iconic memes <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternet<br />

history, had previously won Know<br />

Your Meme’s ‘Meme of <strong>the</strong> Decade’<br />

award <strong>in</strong> December 2019.<br />

The meme was offered by Atsuko<br />

Sato, <strong>the</strong> owner of Kabosu, <strong>the</strong><br />

dog from <strong>the</strong> image. The auction<br />

ran for three days before be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

sold to @pleasrdao. @pleasrdao<br />

had a bidd<strong>in</strong>g war aga<strong>in</strong>st @<br />

twodollahotdoge for <strong>the</strong> meme at<br />

<strong>the</strong> auction at Zora which raised <strong>the</strong><br />

price of <strong>the</strong> meme.<br />

Doge’s popularity has had a<br />

recent resurgence due to Dogeco<strong>in</strong>,<br />

<strong>the</strong> cryptocurrency branded after<br />

<strong>the</strong> meme. Although Dogeco<strong>in</strong> has<br />

been around for several years, it<br />

spiked <strong>in</strong> popularity after Tesla CEO<br />

Elon Musk endorsed it on social<br />

media this year.<br />

O<strong>the</strong>r memes that rival Doge<br />

<strong>in</strong>clude “Disaster Girl,” which sold<br />

for 180 of E<strong>the</strong>reum, worth roughly<br />

$430,000 at <strong>the</strong> time of sale, and<br />

“Overly Attached Girlfriend,” which<br />

sold for 200 E<strong>the</strong>reum, worth roughly<br />

$482,000 at <strong>the</strong> time, accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to <strong>the</strong> auction site Foundation. An<br />

NFT of “Pepe <strong>the</strong> Frog” sold for<br />

roughly $1 million, accord<strong>in</strong>g to The<br />

Wash<strong>in</strong>gton Post.<br />

-news@magzoid.com<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 55


Read more at<br />

www.magzoid.com<br />

Expo 2020’s first permanent public<br />

artwork unveiled<br />

A<br />

large iridescent, oil<br />

drill-shaped sculpture<br />

by Kuwaiti artist<br />

Monira Al Qadiri has<br />

launched Expo 2020<br />

Dubai’s Public Art Programme,<br />

which br<strong>in</strong>gs toge<strong>the</strong>r 11 lead<strong>in</strong>g<br />

artists from <strong>the</strong> UAE and around<br />

<strong>the</strong> world. Alongside Al Qadiri, <strong>the</strong><br />

commissioned artists are Hamra<br />

Abbas, Afra Al Dhaheri, Shaikha Al<br />

Mazrou, Abdullah Al Saadi, Asma<br />

Belhamar, Olafur Eliasson, Nadia<br />

Kaabi-L<strong>in</strong>ke, Khalil Rabah, Y<strong>in</strong>ka<br />

Shonibare and Haegue Yang.<br />

The 11 contemporary artworks<br />

The 11<br />

contemporary<br />

artworks will form<br />

a creative journey<br />

around Expo 2020’s<br />

public spaces and<br />

will live on as part<br />

of <strong>the</strong> future city of<br />

District 2020.<br />

will form a creative journey around<br />

Expo 2020’s public spaces and<br />

will live on as part of <strong>the</strong> future<br />

city of District 2020. The Public Art<br />

Programme of Expo 2020 Dubai<br />

takes <strong>in</strong>spiration from <strong>the</strong> famous<br />

Arab ma<strong>the</strong>matician, astronomer,<br />

and physicist Ibn Al Haytham’s<br />

sem<strong>in</strong>al work, Book of Optics (c.<br />

11th century).<br />

Tarek Abou El Fetouh, Public Art<br />

Curator, Expo 2020 Dubai, said:<br />

“We are thrilled to be launch<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

Public Art Programme with Chimera<br />

by artist Monira Al Qadiri. Her bold<br />

sculpture with its magnified size<br />

and reflective colour makes it seem<br />

like a futuristic creature from outer<br />

space. Through this sculpture, <strong>the</strong><br />

artist attempts to merge <strong>the</strong> preand<br />

post-oil eras <strong>in</strong>to one body.<br />

She creates aes<strong>the</strong>tic connections<br />

between pearls and oil, through<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir colour, materiality, symbolism,<br />

ecology and economy <strong>in</strong> order to<br />

reimag<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong> past, present and<br />

future of <strong>the</strong> wider Gulf region”.<br />

Monira Al Qadiri, Artist, said: “I am<br />

very proud to be among <strong>the</strong> 11 artists<br />

from around <strong>the</strong> world selected to be<br />

part of this programme that <strong>in</strong>vites<br />

visitors to access new perspectives<br />

through art <strong>in</strong> public space.”<br />

Located across <strong>the</strong> Opportunity,<br />

Mobility and Susta<strong>in</strong>ability districts<br />

and Expo 2020’s two parks, <strong>the</strong><br />

artworks will form landmarks<br />

on-site and become a permanent<br />

part of District 2020, a model global<br />

community for <strong>the</strong> future that will<br />

evolve from Expo 2020.<br />

-news@magzoid.com<br />

56 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


Read more at<br />

www.magzoid.com<br />

The 100-day plan to develop Al Quoz <strong>Creative</strong><br />

Zone approved<br />

“This is a pioneer<strong>in</strong>g<br />

project with<br />

ambitious goals,<br />

and we want it to be<br />

<strong>the</strong> best model for a<br />

creative ecosystem<br />

locally and globally.<br />

Dubai has approved a<br />

proposal to develop <strong>the</strong><br />

Al Quoz <strong>Creative</strong> Zone<br />

<strong>in</strong>to a global creative hub<br />

for creative professionals<br />

and entrepreneurs. The 100-day<br />

plan consists of comprehensive<br />

development to make Dubai <strong>the</strong><br />

world’s best city for artists and<br />

creative talent to work and live.<br />

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa b<strong>in</strong>t<br />

Mohammed, chairperson of <strong>the</strong><br />

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority<br />

(Dubai Culture), expressed her<br />

confidence <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> ability of committee<br />

and executive team members of<br />

<strong>the</strong> Al Quoz <strong>Creative</strong> Zone to work<br />

toge<strong>the</strong>r effectively to develop <strong>the</strong><br />

project <strong>in</strong> accordance with <strong>the</strong> high<br />

standards outl<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> its project plan.<br />

“This is a pioneer<strong>in</strong>g project with<br />

ambitious goals, and we want it<br />

to be <strong>the</strong> best model for a creative<br />

ecosystem locally and globally. We<br />

have a clear vision to accomplish this<br />

unique national project <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with<br />

<strong>the</strong> vision of His Highness Sheikh<br />

Mohammed b<strong>in</strong> Rashid Al Maktoum,<br />

who cont<strong>in</strong>ues to <strong>in</strong>spire us with<br />

his leadership and unique forwardth<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g<br />

philosophy <strong>in</strong> shap<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

future,” Sheikha Latifa said.<br />

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa<br />

emphasized Dubai’s commitment<br />

to implement this unique national<br />

project <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> best possible way <strong>in</strong><br />

l<strong>in</strong>e with <strong>the</strong> vision of His Highness<br />

Sheikh Mohammed b<strong>in</strong> Rashid Al<br />

Maktoum, Vice President, Prime<br />

M<strong>in</strong>ister and Ruler of Dubai, to make<br />

Dubai a global capital of <strong>the</strong> creative<br />

economy by 2025.<br />

With<strong>in</strong> 100 days, studies will be<br />

done; a multi-use space model<br />

will be developed; activities will be<br />

identified; mobility will be planned;<br />

and recommendations will be made,<br />

among o<strong>the</strong>r priorities.<br />

The <strong>in</strong>frastructure development<br />

project team will be headed by<br />

Hussa<strong>in</strong> Al Banna from <strong>the</strong> emirate’s<br />

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)<br />

and <strong>in</strong>cludes representatives from<br />

<strong>the</strong> Dubai Municipality, Wasl Asset<br />

Management Group and Dubai<br />

Culture.<br />

The RTA is ready to support<br />

<strong>the</strong> Al Quoz <strong>Creative</strong> Zone with a<br />

series of projects that aim to ease<br />

people’s movement with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> area,<br />

said Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer,<br />

director-general of <strong>the</strong> RTA and vicechairman<br />

of <strong>the</strong> zone’s committee.<br />

-news@magzoid.com<br />

58 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


Read more at<br />

www.magzoid.com<br />

el Seed unveiled new ‘Love’ sculpture that<br />

appeared at Italy’s Duomo of Milan<br />

A<br />

new sculpture by eL<br />

Seed appeared <strong>in</strong> front<br />

of Italy’s landmark<br />

Duomo of Milan. The<br />

artwork read “hob”, which<br />

is Arabic for “love”.<br />

eL Seed is a French-Tunisian<br />

street artist whose works <strong>in</strong>corporate<br />

traditional Arabic calligraphy, a style<br />

he calls calligraffiti. S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> 2011<br />

Tunisian revolution, eL Seed has<br />

consciously used his art as a tool of<br />

political expression<br />

“That’s <strong>the</strong> essence of my work<br />

– that it’s ephemeral,” says <strong>the</strong><br />

Tunisian-French artist, who works<br />

<strong>in</strong> Dubai. “It’s <strong>the</strong>re for one week,<br />

one day, one hour. And after that a<br />

souvenir stays <strong>in</strong> your m<strong>in</strong>d.”<br />

The work was a part of El Seed’s<br />

exhibition titled Templates of Love<br />

which closed <strong>in</strong> April, at <strong>the</strong> city’s<br />

Galleria Patricia Armocida, but he<br />

shared it for <strong>the</strong> first time with <strong>the</strong><br />

public on social media last week.<br />

The exhibition featured <strong>the</strong> artist’s<br />

abstracted, open approach to<br />

calligraphy portray<strong>in</strong>g 50 ways of<br />

say<strong>in</strong>g Love <strong>in</strong> Arabic Language. The<br />

blue sculpture, made <strong>in</strong> fibreglass<br />

and depict<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Arabic letters for<br />

“h” and “b” <strong>in</strong> a w<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g teardrop<br />

shape, was <strong>the</strong> centrepiece of <strong>the</strong><br />

room.<br />

“Love is such a universal th<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and we wanted to see how it could<br />

be expressed <strong>in</strong> different cultures,<br />

like <strong>in</strong> Senegal, Japan, Panama and<br />

Italy,” eL Seed recalls. “But because<br />

of Covid restrictions, we couldn’t do<br />

it.”<br />

The sculpture, also called<br />

Template of Love, was sold to a<br />

“Love is such a universal th<strong>in</strong>g and we wanted<br />

to see how it could be expressed <strong>in</strong> different<br />

cultures, like <strong>in</strong> Senegal, Japan, Panama and<br />

Italy,” eL Seed recalls. “But because of Covid<br />

restrictions, we couldn’t do it.”<br />

private collector, but eL Seed and his<br />

team arranged for it to be <strong>in</strong>stalled <strong>in</strong><br />

front of <strong>the</strong> majestic Duomo for one<br />

last out<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

“The ca<strong>the</strong>dral took six centuries to<br />

build – it’s really a labour of love. This<br />

was a tribute to that,” he expla<strong>in</strong>s.<br />

“And <strong>the</strong> conversation between<br />

<strong>the</strong> Duomo’s Gothic architecture<br />

features and <strong>the</strong> modern calligraphy<br />

worked really well.”<br />

-news@magzoid.com<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 59


Edgar Degas was so fasc<strong>in</strong>ated with ballet dancers that he became obsessed<br />

with represent<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong> his art. It is estimated Degas made approximately 1500<br />

pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs, pastels, pr<strong>in</strong>ts and draw<strong>in</strong>gs of dancers.<br />

The famous human-like Halloween pumpk<strong>in</strong>s were<br />

created by Ray Villafane (b. 1969). He is called <strong>the</strong> Picasso<br />

of Pumpk<strong>in</strong> Carv<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

60 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


Even though he was nom<strong>in</strong>ated for an Oscar <strong>in</strong> 2011,<br />

was named Person of <strong>the</strong> Year <strong>in</strong> 2014 and won many<br />

awards, no-one knows <strong>the</strong> real name of <strong>the</strong> world’s most<br />

famous graffiti artist, Banksy.<br />

The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows; it was <strong>the</strong> fashion <strong>in</strong><br />

Renaissance Florence to shave <strong>the</strong>m off.<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 61


ARTIST FEATURE<br />

Gone With <strong>the</strong> W<strong>in</strong>d<br />

KEN KUNG solo exhibition<br />

Ken Kung is a photographer<br />

based <strong>in</strong> Hong Kong, a<br />

multicultural city globally<br />

known for its mixture<br />

of West and East. This<br />

mix gave him a special vision while<br />

grow<strong>in</strong>g up. Start<strong>in</strong>g photography at<br />

<strong>the</strong> age of 8 after receiv<strong>in</strong>g a camera<br />

from his fa<strong>the</strong>r, Ken followed his<br />

<strong>in</strong>tuition to capture every valuable<br />

moment of society and <strong>the</strong>n gradually<br />

developed a spiritual m<strong>in</strong>imalist art<br />

style.<br />

Ken’s solo exhibition ‘Gone with<br />

<strong>the</strong> w<strong>in</strong>d’ took place from 11 June,<br />

<strong>2021</strong> - 3 <strong>July</strong>, <strong>2021</strong> at MUSE Art and<br />

Books <strong>in</strong> Hong Kong.<br />

“I started explor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> new<br />

mean<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Hong Kong landscape<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> contemporary spiritual aspect,<br />

and re-exam<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g life <strong>in</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

dimension. I retrieved <strong>the</strong> memories<br />

from <strong>the</strong> past <strong>in</strong> this T<strong>in</strong>yHongKong<br />

Collection and represented my love<br />

to <strong>the</strong> old Hong Kong. The artworks<br />

exhibited comb<strong>in</strong>es images with<br />

AI algorithms and highlights <strong>the</strong><br />

mean<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> art world from my<br />

eyes”, Ken says.<br />

Without any formal education <strong>in</strong><br />

Art, Ken studied Philosophy and<br />

Art by himself. He believes that <strong>the</strong><br />

essence of art can drive people's<br />

m<strong>in</strong>dset and <strong>in</strong>spire <strong>the</strong>ir soul, and it<br />

is a channel for express<strong>in</strong>g creativity<br />

and emotions.<br />

Each artwork has a special story,<br />

just like human's life. Through <strong>the</strong>se<br />

stories, we can create a better<br />

world.<br />

- feature@magzoid.com<br />

62 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


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64 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com<br />

Photo Courtesy: NAS RAUF


INTERVIEW<br />

"From <strong>the</strong><br />

Scriptto <strong>the</strong><br />

BIG SCREEN,<br />

a producer's angle of <strong>the</strong> entire journey<br />

of a movie, with Elijah Long"<br />

Elijah Long, an American film actor turned<br />

producer and writer has produced blockbusters<br />

like Rambo, Tesla and many o<strong>the</strong>rs. Born and<br />

brought up <strong>in</strong> Chicago, Elijah became <strong>the</strong> first<br />

African American to jo<strong>in</strong> Rambo as an executive<br />

producer. Start<strong>in</strong>g his journey <strong>in</strong> front of <strong>the</strong><br />

camera, he got to a place where he is today<br />

when he learned about his career <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ation<br />

as he felt more at home when he was beh<strong>in</strong>d<br />

<strong>the</strong> cameras. Long’s strong belief <strong>in</strong> teamwork<br />

and <strong>in</strong> creat<strong>in</strong>g someth<strong>in</strong>g different has earned<br />

him <strong>the</strong> success that he desires for. Here’s a<br />

small and very <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g discussion with Elijah<br />

where he throws light on <strong>the</strong> producer’s view of<br />

a film from a script to <strong>the</strong> big screen. As you read<br />

it, you’d know that it’s not just putt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> money<br />

but an <strong>in</strong>numerable number of hidden elements<br />

that stays off <strong>the</strong> screen.<br />

Exclusive to <strong>Magzoid</strong><br />

How did your journey as a<br />

producer beg<strong>in</strong>?<br />

My journey as a<br />

producer began with a<br />

thought that clicked me<br />

while be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> front of <strong>the</strong> camera as<br />

an actor. When you are on <strong>the</strong> set, you<br />

see groups of people work<strong>in</strong>g so hard<br />

and do<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir jobs relentlessly. This<br />

made me realize <strong>the</strong> importance of<br />

all <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r elements <strong>in</strong> order for me<br />

to do my job as an actor. It made me<br />

more <strong>in</strong>terested to f<strong>in</strong>d out a deeper<br />

level of filmmak<strong>in</strong>g so I decided to<br />

write a script. I wrote one and to my<br />

surprise, people started lik<strong>in</strong>g it.<br />

That marked <strong>the</strong> turn<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>t with<strong>in</strong><br />

me. I wanted to see <strong>the</strong> script on <strong>the</strong><br />

screen. And that’s how it all began.<br />

Among <strong>the</strong> movies that you have<br />

made, which one is your personal<br />

favorite and why?<br />

I will have to say, it’s Rambo with<br />

Sylvester Stallone. I’m glad to be<br />

a part of that project. I remember<br />

watch<strong>in</strong>g that movie as a kid with my<br />

fa<strong>the</strong>r, from <strong>the</strong>re to become <strong>the</strong> first<br />

black producer to be on <strong>the</strong> franchise<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Rambo, it was a history made. I<br />

brought my partner Dorman Radcliffe,<br />

along as well. We were <strong>the</strong> first black<br />

producers to be a part of <strong>the</strong> franchise<br />

of Rambo.<br />

We would like to know <strong>the</strong> process<br />

of movie-mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> view of a<br />

producer.<br />

Well, <strong>the</strong>re are so many different<br />

ways. One of <strong>the</strong> ways is <strong>the</strong> producer<br />

know<strong>in</strong>g a highly popular actor. The<br />

ma<strong>in</strong> th<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> producer needs to<br />

do is have relationships, because<br />

if you don't know anybody you can’t<br />

get anyth<strong>in</strong>g to produce. I always<br />

tell people to not burn bridges. The<br />

people that may be on <strong>the</strong> lowest<br />

level when you come <strong>in</strong>, with<strong>in</strong> no<br />

time, could be at <strong>the</strong> top. So, nobody<br />

is big or small; everyone is equal.<br />

Everybody is a part of <strong>the</strong> movie.<br />

Everybody is needed. Only after all<br />

<strong>the</strong>se efforts can we see a movie like,<br />

Rambo!<br />

The discussion all beg<strong>in</strong>s from<br />

<strong>the</strong> endless pages of <strong>the</strong> black<br />

and white script. This script <strong>the</strong>n<br />

undergoes countless modifications<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 65


INTERVIEW<br />

Photo Courtesy: NAS RAUF<br />

at every s<strong>in</strong>gle step, it might be by<br />

<strong>the</strong> producer, director or even <strong>the</strong><br />

actors. Every one adds <strong>the</strong>ir element<br />

to it until a polished version of <strong>the</strong><br />

script starts tak<strong>in</strong>g its shape. In parallel<br />

we have <strong>the</strong> complete plann<strong>in</strong>g of<br />

venue, team, tim<strong>in</strong>gs, execution and<br />

all go<strong>in</strong>g on.<br />

All right, so <strong>the</strong> plann<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong><br />

movie is done and <strong>the</strong> bluepr<strong>in</strong>t is<br />

ready. Is your role done or are you<br />

still <strong>in</strong>volved?<br />

I wish <strong>the</strong> role of a producer was<br />

that easy! Haha! So, after <strong>the</strong> film<br />

is put toge<strong>the</strong>r, we raise <strong>the</strong> money<br />

for <strong>the</strong> film which could be an<br />

<strong>in</strong>dependent film or we get a studio<br />

beh<strong>in</strong>d us to help with <strong>the</strong> production.<br />

All <strong>the</strong> logistics, locations, hir<strong>in</strong>g<br />

talent, schedul<strong>in</strong>g is <strong>the</strong>n decided.<br />

There are various problems one can<br />

have while shoot<strong>in</strong>g a movie. For<br />

<strong>in</strong>stance, if two actors are required<br />

to shoot a scene toge<strong>the</strong>r, we have<br />

to schedule it <strong>in</strong> such a way that both<br />

actors are available at <strong>the</strong> same time<br />

and <strong>the</strong>re is no clash with <strong>the</strong>ir o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

commitments. Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> film<strong>in</strong>g<br />

process, if <strong>the</strong> caterer comes and<br />

delivers <strong>the</strong> food for <strong>the</strong> crew late,<br />

that's an hour more, that I have to pay<br />

<strong>the</strong> crew. If while shoot<strong>in</strong>g one day it<br />

starts ra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g which wasn't expected,<br />

we lose half a day or more. The shoot<br />

might have cost me 100,000 USD<br />

but I have to shoot it aga<strong>in</strong>; so now<br />

I have 100,000 USD of loss. Once<br />

you film <strong>the</strong> movie, <strong>the</strong>n you move to<br />

<strong>the</strong> steps of sell<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> movie. If it's<br />

an <strong>in</strong>dependent movie like <strong>the</strong> one<br />

that I am mak<strong>in</strong>g now, you have to<br />

get <strong>the</strong> distribution. The right amount<br />

of distribution is required so that you<br />

can pay back your f<strong>in</strong>anciers. So, it's<br />

a constant effort and a producer has<br />

to be <strong>in</strong>volved throughout.<br />

Wow that’s m<strong>in</strong>d-boggl<strong>in</strong>g! Well,<br />

a producer is one among <strong>the</strong> few<br />

who is go<strong>in</strong>g to put <strong>in</strong> money. What<br />

are <strong>the</strong> thoughts that you have<br />

before do<strong>in</strong>g that? How do you<br />

plan <strong>the</strong> budgets and expected<br />

returns from a movie?<br />

Once <strong>the</strong> script is f<strong>in</strong>alized, you<br />

typically go to a sales agent with <strong>the</strong><br />

script to decide on <strong>the</strong> budget. But it's<br />

an evaluation of a script with no actors<br />

or directors. Add<strong>in</strong>g bankable actors<br />

can <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>the</strong> value of <strong>the</strong> script.<br />

Imag<strong>in</strong>e you br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> actors like Jamie<br />

Foxx or Brad Pitt. That script now has<br />

more value. A $5 million movie can<br />

be made for $8 million if you have <strong>the</strong><br />

right stars <strong>in</strong> it. To make sure I can<br />

get my <strong>in</strong>vestors <strong>the</strong> money back, I<br />

won't make it go over $6 million. You<br />

<strong>the</strong>n have product placement which<br />

can generate money which you don’t<br />

have to return. It also goes back to<br />

66 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


INTERVIEW<br />

relationships. You can make a call<br />

and create an avenue for your project,<br />

<strong>the</strong>reby br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g awareness to your<br />

film and gett<strong>in</strong>g it sold.<br />

What do producers see when <strong>the</strong>y<br />

are f<strong>in</strong>aliz<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> star cast?<br />

Life! From a piece of paper, it takes<br />

an actor to br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> script to life and<br />

turn it <strong>in</strong>to someth<strong>in</strong>g magical. One<br />

moment you are look<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> actor<br />

deliver <strong>the</strong> master performance and<br />

<strong>the</strong>n you're look<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong>ir box office<br />

numbers th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g if this particular<br />

actor is go<strong>in</strong>g to br<strong>in</strong>g us certa<strong>in</strong><br />

demographics or not. A lot of times<br />

you get an actor and you fall <strong>in</strong> love<br />

with <strong>the</strong>ir act<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> actor<br />

drops out. So now you're try<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

re-fall <strong>in</strong> love all over aga<strong>in</strong>. It's a<br />

vicious process. There are cases<br />

where <strong>the</strong> directors are replaced <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> middle of a movie or when an<br />

actor is forced to drop out of a project<br />

because he/she decided to go ski<strong>in</strong>g<br />

a week before production and gets<br />

<strong>in</strong>jured. Prepare for <strong>the</strong> unexpected.<br />

Produc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a nutshell is manag<strong>in</strong>g<br />

people and money.<br />

Would you like to talk a bit about<br />

your educational background and<br />

does that <strong>in</strong>fluence your growth<br />

and actions now?<br />

You know, I had <strong>the</strong> typical high<br />

school education. I may be part of<br />

<strong>the</strong> film <strong>in</strong>dustry now, but I didn't<br />

go to a film school. You can go to a<br />

school and learn <strong>the</strong> technical aspect<br />

especially if you like to learn about<br />

cameras and <strong>the</strong> technicalities but<br />

when it comes to certa<strong>in</strong> elements,<br />

<strong>the</strong>re are th<strong>in</strong>gs that can't be learned<br />

like <strong>the</strong> stuff that you learn on <strong>the</strong> set.<br />

I have been on <strong>the</strong> lowest level of a<br />

set; I have been a coord<strong>in</strong>ator, I have<br />

been <strong>the</strong> junior producer and <strong>the</strong> best<br />

learn<strong>in</strong>g happens <strong>in</strong> that stage. So,<br />

that’s how I learned; by do<strong>in</strong>g it, not<br />

just talk<strong>in</strong>g about it!<br />

I was homeless <strong>in</strong> New York City<br />

for almost 6 months I literally slept<br />

on 34th Street tra<strong>in</strong> station. Once it<br />

Photo Courtesy: NAS RAUF<br />

I WAS HOMELESS IN NEW YORK CITY FOR<br />

ALMOST 6 MONTHS I LITERALLY SLEPT<br />

ON 34TH STREET TRAIN STATION. ONCE IT<br />

HAPPENED THAT I HAD SPENT THE LAST<br />

FIVE DOLLARS ON A PIZZA AND I WAS<br />

SLEEPING ON A STREET.<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 67


INTERVIEW<br />

Photo Courtesy: NAS RAUF<br />

SO EOE (A SURPRISE!)<br />

IS MY NEW VENTURE<br />

THAT I AM GOING<br />

TO DO WITH DUBAI<br />

GOVERNMENT WHICH<br />

IS A COMBINATION<br />

OF EDUCATION AND<br />

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE<br />

SAME TIME.<br />

happened that I had spent <strong>the</strong> last<br />

five dollars on a pizza and I was<br />

sleep<strong>in</strong>g on a street. When I woke up<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> middle of <strong>the</strong> night, <strong>the</strong> sight<br />

I saw was my pizza be<strong>in</strong>g eaten by<br />

one of <strong>the</strong> biggest New York City rats.<br />

I somehow shooed it away but I had<br />

to throw <strong>the</strong> half that it had eaten. At<br />

that moment I said to God, “This is<br />

<strong>the</strong> absolute lowest I've ever been.<br />

So, anyth<strong>in</strong>g else from here is just up”.<br />

I have put <strong>in</strong> my thousands of hours<br />

and I have reached where I am now.<br />

Is <strong>the</strong>re any movie that makes you<br />

feel, “I wish I would have made<br />

this” whenever you see it or hear<br />

about it?<br />

Oh man, <strong>the</strong>re are a plethora of<br />

movies that I wished I had made. Right<br />

now, if you ask me, <strong>the</strong> movie that<br />

pops up <strong>in</strong> my m<strong>in</strong>d would me be <strong>the</strong><br />

one me and my wife were watch<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r day named ‘As Good As It<br />

Gets’ starr<strong>in</strong>g Jack Nicholson. I wish<br />

I had made that one. Jack Nicholson<br />

was brilliant <strong>in</strong> that movie and it won<br />

an Oscar. Ano<strong>the</strong>r one would be The<br />

Dark Knight by Christopher Nolan or<br />

Pulp Fiction or The Departed. Man,<br />

<strong>the</strong> list is endless. I would also like to<br />

make someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Bollywood maybe<br />

with Shah Rukh Khan!<br />

You have been explor<strong>in</strong>g different<br />

parts of <strong>the</strong> world and now you’re <strong>in</strong><br />

UAE. Some excit<strong>in</strong>g stuff cook<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong> your m<strong>in</strong>d?<br />

So EOE (a surprise!) is my new<br />

venture that I am go<strong>in</strong>g to do with Dubai<br />

government which is a comb<strong>in</strong>ation<br />

of education and enterta<strong>in</strong>ment at <strong>the</strong><br />

same time. I want one week <strong>in</strong> Dubai<br />

a year to feel like it’s Oscar weekend.<br />

I want <strong>the</strong> brilliant m<strong>in</strong>ds of this region<br />

to use Dubai as <strong>the</strong>ir playground,<br />

feel<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> electrify<strong>in</strong>g energy and<br />

excitement of Art. They will learn <strong>the</strong><br />

craft of filmmak<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong> stars,<br />

and collaborate for a magical week of<br />

shar<strong>in</strong>g ideas, <strong>in</strong>teract<strong>in</strong>g at amaz<strong>in</strong>g<br />

events, lavish parties, and learn<strong>in</strong>g<br />

all th<strong>in</strong>gs film & television. You have<br />

<strong>the</strong> best actors, writers, producers<br />

and directors com<strong>in</strong>g and shar<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

experiences and giv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> creativity<br />

to <strong>the</strong> younger generation. I'll br<strong>in</strong>g<br />

a lot of my friends to teach <strong>the</strong> next<br />

generation <strong>the</strong>ir skills and empower<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir knowledge. I just want to br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

that experience <strong>in</strong> person surrounded<br />

by <strong>the</strong> great people. Most importantly,<br />

it will be a great event of creation and<br />

collaboration as many cultures come<br />

toge<strong>the</strong>r here.<br />

As you said, you do it as you enjoy<br />

do<strong>in</strong>g it. What accord<strong>in</strong>g to you is<br />

<strong>the</strong> most excit<strong>in</strong>g part of be<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

producer?<br />

If you ask me, discover<strong>in</strong>g young<br />

talent is <strong>the</strong> most <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g part of<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g a producer. I mean imag<strong>in</strong>e<br />

you were <strong>the</strong> person who discovered<br />

Leonardo DiCaprio. How proud would<br />

you be right now because you found<br />

him as a young actor who was wait<strong>in</strong>g<br />

for a chance to be seen. You see a<br />

tw<strong>in</strong>kle <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> eye and feel like <strong>the</strong>y<br />

are <strong>the</strong> one. You watch <strong>the</strong>m br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong> character to life which makes you<br />

so happy. So, it's a creative process.<br />

It's nerve-rack<strong>in</strong>g because of so<br />

many different pieces and th<strong>in</strong>gs that<br />

could go wrong but it's just so excit<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to watch it all come toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

Would you like to talk about your<br />

upcom<strong>in</strong>g movie? We are super<br />

excited about <strong>the</strong> preparations and<br />

after hear<strong>in</strong>g all <strong>the</strong> hard work that<br />

goes beh<strong>in</strong>d, we are even more<br />

excited and wait<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong> same?<br />

My upcom<strong>in</strong>g movie is North of <strong>the</strong><br />

10. While keep<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> suspense<br />

<strong>in</strong>tact, I’d just like to say that <strong>the</strong>re<br />

are a lot of great people <strong>in</strong> this film<br />

and that is why I'm super excited<br />

about it. Everybody is go<strong>in</strong>g to see<br />

<strong>the</strong> collaboration of UAE stars and<br />

American stars com<strong>in</strong>g toge<strong>the</strong>r to<br />

make <strong>the</strong> magic happen. It’s com<strong>in</strong>g<br />

with a very unique storyl<strong>in</strong>e. You just<br />

have you Stay Tuned with us.<br />

What message do you have for our<br />

readers?<br />

I strongly believe <strong>in</strong> one word,<br />

“CREATE”. When you are doubtful<br />

about someth<strong>in</strong>g, just create. When<br />

<strong>in</strong> fear, create. There are a lot of<br />

beautiful creations that might come<br />

out of your fear, it comes out of<br />

<strong>the</strong> th<strong>in</strong>gs that traumatize you or it<br />

comes out dur<strong>in</strong>g your happy times.<br />

Sometimes just writ<strong>in</strong>g it down or just<br />

draw<strong>in</strong>g that picture <strong>in</strong> your head can<br />

be <strong>the</strong>rapeutic.<br />

- feature@magzoid.com<br />

68 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


t r i v i a<br />

1. What does Ben Treat specialize <strong>in</strong>?<br />

2. Who created <strong>the</strong> first emoji?<br />

3. Where does Fateme Shahidi reside?<br />

4. How much was <strong>the</strong> NFT of Doge meme sold for?<br />

5. Which movie is Elijah Long currently produc<strong>in</strong>g?<br />

6. When is World Population day celebrated?<br />

7. What date has New York State declared as Emirati Day?<br />

8. Where is Alexandra Ozerova from?<br />

9. Who was <strong>the</strong> first liv<strong>in</strong>g person to have art displayed <strong>in</strong> Louvre?<br />

10. What trend does Elena Zernova follow <strong>in</strong> Res<strong>in</strong> Art?<br />

June<br />

Edition<br />

W<strong>in</strong>ner<br />

Victor K<strong>in</strong>g<br />

WIN<br />

AMAZING<br />

HEADPHONES<br />

1. Zao Wou Ki<br />

2. Majesty 175<br />

3. Abstract Impressionism<br />

4. Congo<br />

5. K<strong>in</strong>tsugi<br />

6. USA<br />

7. Museum of f<strong>in</strong>e arts and<br />

archaeology of besançon<br />

8. Michelangelo<br />

9. Ras Al Khaimah<br />

10. Redef<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Hospitality<br />

Answers of June Edition Trivia:<br />

RULES:<br />

FIND THE ANSWERS FOR THE ABOVE QUESTIONS WITHIN THE JULY EDITION<br />

OF MAGZOID AND STAND A CHANCE TO WIN AMAZING HEADPHONES!<br />

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS WRITE DOWN THE ANSWERS, TAKE A PICTURE, POST IT<br />

AS A STORY ON INSTAGRAM AND TAG @MAGZOID.GLOBAL<br />

WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE AUGUST EDITION OF MAGZOID<br />

Subject to terms and conditions<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 69


Andy Brown, an<br />

English artist,<br />

stitched toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />

1000 used tea bags,<br />

to create a portrait of<br />

Queen Elizabeth II.<br />

Georges Braque was <strong>the</strong> first liv<strong>in</strong>g person to have art<br />

displayed <strong>in</strong> Louvre.<br />

Tim Knowles, a British artist, attaches pens to trees and<br />

lets <strong>the</strong> w<strong>in</strong>d do <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> work. They produce some<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g results, too.<br />

Letters from our<br />

READERS<br />

ART MAKES<br />

EVERYTHING<br />

COLOURFUL<br />

By Rashida Aliasgar<br />

Instagram: rashu_foodie52<br />

Art makes everyth<strong>in</strong>g colourful & joyful<br />

around us...!! Just came across an art<br />

magaz<strong>in</strong>e which depicted artist artworks &<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir achievement <strong>in</strong> a beautiful way along<br />

with highlight<strong>in</strong>g different global topics<br />

too. Well done <strong>Magzoid</strong> for acknowledg<strong>in</strong>g<br />

& giv<strong>in</strong>g artists a platform to showcase<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir talent!<br />

GROW YOUR<br />

CREATIVITY<br />

By Gem<strong>in</strong>i Chauhan<br />

Instagram: @i_m_kashish<br />

<strong>Magzoid</strong> magaz<strong>in</strong>e plays a great role <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> world of Art <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> MENA Region!<br />

They also provide a space to grow your<br />

creativity through <strong>the</strong> columns. It’s a great<br />

platform to know many hidden talents<br />

through <strong>the</strong> magaz<strong>in</strong>e & I wish <strong>Magzoid</strong> to<br />

grow immensely and give recognition to all<br />

<strong>the</strong> talents.<br />

Share your views with us at review@magzoid.com<br />

70 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


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INSPIRE & EMPOWER<br />

featured artist<br />

Alexandra Ozerova<br />

“Listen to yourself, create <strong>the</strong> coolest th<strong>in</strong>gs and let <strong>the</strong><br />

world see your creation”, says Alexandra Ozerova<br />

- Exclusive to <strong>Magzoid</strong><br />

72 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


“I want <strong>the</strong> contact<br />

between <strong>the</strong> viewer<br />

and my art to be<br />

like meditation,<br />

a deeper contact<br />

with nature<br />

and <strong>the</strong>refore<br />

with myself, so I<br />

depict plants <strong>in</strong><br />

great detail, <strong>in</strong> an<br />

enlarged form”<br />

Alexandra Ozerova<br />

is a Russian pa<strong>in</strong>ter<br />

specializ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Oil<br />

pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g. Oils are used<br />

on l<strong>in</strong>en, burlap, cotton,<br />

wood, hide, rock, stone, concrete,<br />

paper, cardboard, alum<strong>in</strong>um, copper,<br />

plywood, and processed boards,<br />

correspond<strong>in</strong>g to masonite, ironed<br />

wood, and hardboard.<br />

She has an <strong>in</strong>timate passion for<br />

flowers ever s<strong>in</strong>ce she was a child.<br />

An image that conta<strong>in</strong>s flowers fuels<br />

her creativity which <strong>in</strong>fluences her<br />

artworks as she gets to portray <strong>the</strong>m<br />

with great details <strong>in</strong> her pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs. “I<br />

want <strong>the</strong> contact between <strong>the</strong> viewer<br />

and my art to be like meditation,<br />

a deeper contact with nature and<br />

<strong>the</strong>refore with myself, so I depict<br />

plants <strong>in</strong> great detail, <strong>in</strong> an enlarged<br />

form”, she says.<br />

With <strong>the</strong> current trends and issues<br />

<strong>the</strong> world is fac<strong>in</strong>g; like equality of<br />

nationalities, equality of gender<br />

and environmental concerns be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

depicted <strong>in</strong> artworks, Ozerova is<br />

delighted because <strong>the</strong>se movements<br />

help <strong>in</strong> creat<strong>in</strong>g change for <strong>the</strong><br />

greater good of society. This also<br />

creates an avenue for her to express<br />

herself freely through <strong>the</strong> artworks.<br />

“I am proud that I listen to myself<br />

and try to be myself no matter what.<br />

For <strong>in</strong>stance, be<strong>in</strong>g an artist <strong>in</strong> our<br />

country is not considered prestigious.<br />

But I still chose this profession despite<br />

<strong>the</strong> fact that I had a very poor family”,<br />

she says.<br />

Listen<strong>in</strong>g to oneself and respect<strong>in</strong>g<br />

our own choices and op<strong>in</strong>ions is<br />

very important. It is very easy to get<br />

<strong>in</strong>fluenced by someone else’s op<strong>in</strong>ions<br />

and suggestions, but follow<strong>in</strong>g one’s<br />

own passion and dreams despite so<br />

many people pull<strong>in</strong>g you down is a<br />

task. Ozerova followed her passion<br />

and developed her career by us<strong>in</strong>g<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 73


Her message to <strong>the</strong><br />

o<strong>the</strong>r struggl<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

passionate artists is,<br />

“Listen to yourself,<br />

create <strong>the</strong> coolest<br />

th<strong>in</strong>gs, and let <strong>the</strong><br />

world see your<br />

creation.”<br />

<strong>the</strong> power of social media to tell <strong>the</strong><br />

world about her art. In her op<strong>in</strong>ion,<br />

social media is <strong>the</strong> most convenient<br />

opportunity for artists. She blogs on<br />

her Instagram page @a.ozerova.art<br />

and has also collaborated with onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />

galleries which has helped her reach<br />

out to a large audience.<br />

Ozerova cont<strong>in</strong>ues to work and<br />

perfect her craft despite many<br />

struggles. Her message to <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

struggl<strong>in</strong>g and passionate artists<br />

is, “Listen to yourself, create <strong>the</strong><br />

coolest th<strong>in</strong>gs, and let <strong>the</strong> world see<br />

your creation.” She believes that art<br />

is important because it reflects <strong>the</strong><br />

change <strong>in</strong> this world and is always<br />

<strong>in</strong>vent<strong>in</strong>g someth<strong>in</strong>g new. With just<br />

a few words Alexandra gives such<br />

a strong and <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g message.<br />

The art of Paul Klee, Dimitra Milan,<br />

and Claire Basler is close to her and<br />

she idolizes <strong>the</strong>m. When asked what<br />

her greatest <strong>in</strong>spiration is, she says,<br />

“The nature <strong>in</strong>spires me <strong>the</strong> most. It<br />

is much deeper than it seems, it is<br />

<strong>in</strong>comprehensible.”<br />

- feature@magzoid.com<br />

74 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


GO<br />

DIGITAL<br />

THAT'S WHERE THE WORLD IS<br />

REACH OUT FOR DIGITAL MEDIA AND WEBSITE DESIGN<br />

www.zdegreetech.com<br />

customercare@zdegreetech.com


Photographs by our Readers<br />

Amna Henna<br />

Let your dreams<br />

set sail<br />

READERS<br />

PHOTOGRAPHS<br />

“Photography is a<br />

way of feel<strong>in</strong>g, of<br />

touch<strong>in</strong>g, of lov<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

What you have<br />

caught on film is<br />

captured forever…<br />

It remembers little<br />

th<strong>in</strong>gs, long after<br />

you have forgotten<br />

everyth<strong>in</strong>g.”<br />

— Aaron Sisk<strong>in</strong>d<br />

Sakshi Narang<br />

Share your photos on your <strong>in</strong>stagram<br />

and tag @magzoid.global<br />

Every sunset is an<br />

opportunity to reset<br />

76 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


Niki<br />

Sky high<br />

Photographs by our Readers<br />

Saima Naveed<br />

Spread your<br />

w<strong>in</strong>gs and fly<br />

READERS<br />

PHOTOGRAPHS<br />

“It is an illusion<br />

that photos are<br />

made with <strong>the</strong><br />

camera… <strong>the</strong>y are<br />

made with <strong>the</strong> eye,<br />

heart, and head.”<br />

— Henri Cartier-Bresson<br />

Share your photos on your <strong>in</strong>stagram<br />

and tag @magzoid.global<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 77


INSPIRE & EMPOWER<br />

featured artist<br />

Elena Zernova<br />

“Art develops <strong>the</strong> ability to see and feel <strong>the</strong> world and broadens<br />

<strong>the</strong> horizons”, says Elena Zernova<br />

- Exclusive to <strong>Magzoid</strong><br />

78 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


Elena Zernova is a Ukra<strong>in</strong>ian<br />

artist specializ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> res<strong>in</strong><br />

art. Be<strong>in</strong>g a res<strong>in</strong> artist is<br />

a lot different from be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

a regular pa<strong>in</strong>ter s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />

<strong>the</strong> materials you create your art<br />

with, are completely different. Art<br />

res<strong>in</strong> is a recently fashioned style of<br />

res<strong>in</strong> which conta<strong>in</strong>s chemical less<br />

toxicant, specially created to be used<br />

for creative purposes.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> way a pa<strong>in</strong>ter is educated<br />

about how to use <strong>the</strong>ir acrylic or<br />

oil pa<strong>in</strong>ts, a res<strong>in</strong> artist’s true skill<br />

lies <strong>in</strong> how <strong>the</strong>y choreograph <strong>the</strong><br />

free-flow<strong>in</strong>g res<strong>in</strong> on a canvas. The<br />

res<strong>in</strong> is coalesced with regular pa<strong>in</strong>t<br />

to make a fantastically chaotic but<br />

somehow synchronized array of<br />

colors and textures. As a result,<br />

you get a unique and duplicateproof<br />

design, s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> complex<br />

effect makes it nearly impossible to<br />

duplicate a particular res<strong>in</strong> pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Elena follows <strong>the</strong> trends of<br />

Seascape <strong>in</strong> her res<strong>in</strong> works. The<br />

technique to create beautiful and<br />

realistic ocean art <strong>in</strong>volves pour<strong>in</strong>g<br />

layers of res<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> various shades<br />

of blue and <strong>the</strong>n f<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g with a<br />

layer of white. This mixture gets<br />

pushed around with a hairdryer to<br />

create a lac<strong>in</strong>g effect rem<strong>in</strong>iscent<br />

of sea foam. Res<strong>in</strong> is essential to<br />

create realistic ocean art. Its clarity,<br />

consistency and gloss replicate <strong>the</strong><br />

look of water <strong>in</strong> a way you simply<br />

can't get with any o<strong>the</strong>r medium.<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 79


Elena follows <strong>the</strong><br />

trends of Seascape <strong>in</strong><br />

her res<strong>in</strong> works. The<br />

technique to create<br />

beautiful and realistic<br />

ocean art <strong>in</strong>volves<br />

pour<strong>in</strong>g layers of res<strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>in</strong> various shades of<br />

blue and <strong>the</strong>n f<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g<br />

with a layer of white.<br />

Mak<strong>in</strong>g a pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g with clear res<strong>in</strong><br />

is quite a learn<strong>in</strong>g experience. Every<br />

piece is different and has a different<br />

story to tell. Layer<strong>in</strong>g various shades<br />

of t<strong>in</strong>ted res<strong>in</strong> creates a feel<strong>in</strong>g of<br />

motion and depth. Beautiful, deep<br />

ocean blues contrast with white wave<br />

crests aga<strong>in</strong>st a sandy shore and <strong>the</strong><br />

res<strong>in</strong>’s irresistibly sh<strong>in</strong>y f<strong>in</strong>ish makes<br />

you want to dive right <strong>in</strong>.<br />

Art is someth<strong>in</strong>g to be reacted<br />

to and <strong>in</strong>teracted with. It develops<br />

<strong>the</strong> ability to see and feel <strong>the</strong> world<br />

and broadens one’s horizons. Elena<br />

took her career slowly and steadily<br />

and says rest<strong>in</strong>g well helped her<br />

develop a career as it is important<br />

to rest and have a free m<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong><br />

order to be creative and work<br />

efficiently. She is proud of <strong>the</strong> fact<br />

that she is at <strong>the</strong> top of her game<br />

when mak<strong>in</strong>g realistic seabed with<br />

res<strong>in</strong>s. Her greatest <strong>in</strong>spiration is<br />

Lilia Nilova. She publishes<br />

her art on social media and<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> pandemic she ga<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

more than 20,000 followers on <strong>the</strong><br />

Instagram page @zernovaart.<br />

- feature@magzoid.com<br />

80 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


PRODUCT REVIEW<br />

MYTH<br />

BUSTER!<br />

HERBAL TEA DOES NOT<br />

TASTE THAT GREAT?<br />

WELL, YOU MUST TRY<br />

As your curious eye<br />

balls roll over <strong>the</strong>se<br />

captivat<strong>in</strong>g t<strong>in</strong>y tubes<br />

from Feel Good Tea,<br />

do<strong>in</strong>g justice to that is<br />

<strong>the</strong> exotic packag<strong>in</strong>g bundled with<br />

a diverse plethora of flavors to tickle<br />

your taste buds and rejuvenate every<br />

mood of yours.<br />

The products not only focus on <strong>the</strong><br />

dist<strong>in</strong>ctive blends and flavors, but<br />

also on <strong>the</strong> unique tea experience to<br />

supercharge your dr<strong>in</strong>k.<br />

The box conta<strong>in</strong>s a wide variety<br />

of flavors rang<strong>in</strong>g from Lemonade<br />

Twist, Apple Pie to Sk<strong>in</strong>ny Tea,<br />

Candy Cane, Ocean Blue and<br />

numerous o<strong>the</strong>rs. The tea leaves<br />

can be poured <strong>in</strong>to an <strong>in</strong>fuser and<br />

added to hot or cold water to brew<br />

<strong>the</strong> perfect tea accord<strong>in</strong>g to one’s<br />

personal preference.<br />

Every tube holds enough to make<br />

approximately 2-3 cups of tea. It has<br />

a last<strong>in</strong>g aroma and you can elevate<br />

<strong>the</strong> taste by add<strong>in</strong>g some fresh lemon<br />

or honey. The herbal tea has done<br />

justice to everyone’s taste buds and<br />

could be an ideal gift<strong>in</strong>g option for<br />

your loved ones. The cherry on <strong>the</strong><br />

cake is <strong>the</strong> touch of personalization<br />

that <strong>the</strong>y add to it. Give it a try and<br />

write back to us about how you felt<br />

about it.<br />

- Christ<strong>in</strong>a Pilavaki, Fitness Expert<br />

- review@magzoid.com<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 81


FEATURED<br />

ARTWORKS<br />

Nature's Beauty<br />

- Joseph<strong>in</strong>e G<strong>in</strong>es<br />

Oil on canvas and mixed media<br />

- Joseph<strong>in</strong>e G<strong>in</strong>es<br />

Art and colours have its<br />

transformative effect on a space<br />

and can br<strong>in</strong>g happ<strong>in</strong>ess and<br />

hope <strong>in</strong>to many lives. When<br />

everyth<strong>in</strong>g has become digital,I<br />

still have a whole heap of love<br />

for traditional art with simply<br />

threads and a needle. This helps me to play with<br />

textures and uplift a flat canvas.<br />

- Sahar Akbar<br />

“Love is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> air”.<br />

Medium - Acrylic<br />

Size - 60cm x 70cm<br />

- Roopali Bodhmage<br />

Lights Over Dark<br />

(Night, viewers can see some<br />

glow from this pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g)<br />

- Fathima Aafreen<br />

To get featured send your artworks<br />

to artworks@magzoid.com<br />

82 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


GAMES<br />

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE<br />

FIND ME OUT<br />

Easy Sudoku Puzzles 1<br />

www.pr<strong>in</strong>tablesudoku99.com<br />

SUDOKU<br />

Sudoku<br />

Puzzle<br />

1<br />

1 4 2 9 5<br />

7 4 8 9<br />

8 5 2 4<br />

2 4 8<br />

3 1 2 6<br />

8 7 2 9 4 1<br />

5 2 6<br />

2 8 9 4 1<br />

7 9 1 8 5 3<br />

Sudoku<br />

Puzzle<br />

2<br />

1 9 4 7 5<br />

5 7 3 1 2<br />

4 5 3 1 8<br />

8 1 5 6 7 3 4<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 83


FEATURED<br />

ARTWORKS<br />

kids<br />

View Of The Burj Khalifa<br />

- Roanak Bambarawana<br />

First attempt of mak<strong>in</strong>g a scenery on a paper<br />

- Aarav Maskara<br />

Mo<strong>the</strong>r nature<br />

- Jiya Desai<br />

My first work is imag<strong>in</strong>ation<br />

Artwork, it means noth<strong>in</strong>g can<br />

stop any one to fulfil his dream,<br />

and dreams come true.<br />

- Layal Adil AbdElrahman Balla<br />

To get featured send your artworks<br />

to kids@magzoid.com<br />

84 <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

www.magzoid.com


C R O S S<br />

W O R D<br />

ACROSS<br />

3. Orange, purple and green are this<br />

type of color<br />

6. A style of pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g, music, or drama<br />

<strong>in</strong> which <strong>the</strong> artist or writer seeks<br />

to express emotional experience<br />

ra<strong>the</strong>r than impressions of <strong>the</strong><br />

external world<br />

8. The ma<strong>in</strong> visual element <strong>in</strong><br />

Impressionist pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g<br />

9. Term for <strong>the</strong> technique of allow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

tones and colors to shade gradually<br />

<strong>in</strong>to one ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

DOWN<br />

1. Term for reproduc<strong>in</strong>g a texture by<br />

lay<strong>in</strong>g paper over it and rubb<strong>in</strong>g it with<br />

a pencil or crayon<br />

2. Term for visible traces of an earlier<br />

pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g beneath newer artwork on<br />

canvas<br />

4. Frame used to support a canvas<br />

5. Conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g or us<strong>in</strong>g only one color<br />

7. Quality associated with peaches <strong>in</strong><br />

Ch<strong>in</strong>ese art<br />

10. Number of versions of ‘The Scream’<br />

Edvard Munch created<br />

ANSWERS<br />

1. Frottage<br />

2. Pentimento<br />

3. Secondary<br />

4. Easel<br />

5. Monochromatic<br />

6. Expressionism<br />

7. Immortality<br />

8. Color<br />

9. Sfumato<br />

10.Four<br />

www.magzoid.com <strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 85


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